As Christians, we live our lives for God. How we live is demonstrated through our lives here on earth. We are called to live here on earth for the glory of God. We are called to live in all we do with respect and awe of God. “Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. ” (1 Peter 1:17, NIV84) We are to walk day by day as strangers to the world living reverently for God. There are keys on how we should live in this passage.
We are to spend our lives always preparing for more. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ” (1 Peter 1:13, NIV84) In the original Greek, we literally prepare our minds. We prepare our minds for what is coming next. Therefore as Christians we must always study the Word of God. We always seek to grow. We always seek to learn. We prepare by studying the Word of God. Our study gives us the framework for the supernatural experiences we have with God. Our study enables us to discern what is good and what is evil as we walk through live.
Once we read and study the Word of God, we must conform ourselves to that Word. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ” (1 Peter 1:15, NIV84) Holiness is consecration and commitment and devotion to God. Holiness is giving the best of our lives and the whole of our lives to God. Holiness is living by grace through faith. Holiness is trusting God fully and embracing God.
As we become conformed to the Word we become carriers of Love. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. ” (1 Peter 1:22, NIV84) Our reverence and obedience to the Word of God transforms us. We become like God. God loves us deeply. We begin to love others as God loves them. We forgive. We embrace. We encourage. Our hearts hold others in high regard. We carry others loads. We love and lay our lives down for others.
Each day is a new opportunity to live for God. We choose if we will walk in awe of God through our day. We choose is we will have gratitude towards God through the challenges of each day. We choose if we will study and pray each day. We choose if we will obey the Word of God today. We choose if we will live Holy or we will live for ourselves.
What happens when you visit the doctor and receive a bad report? Where is reverent fear and awe then? We can begin by acknowledging that God saves us body, soul and spirit. We begin by thanking Jesus that He is the same yesterday, today and forever and Jesus still heals. We understand that all things are an opportunity for God’s glory. We can study the words on healing and faith. We can believe and obey and then receive. As we do, we become Holy and conformed into the image of God. Out of our trial, love grows for those who are suffering and we become carriers of God’s love to others. We become empowered to share the truth of God that we have learned with others.
What happens when we encounter someone who is hurting? Because we have spent time studying and becoming prepared for action, we become carriers of God’s love to those who haven’t yet experienced God’s Love. Because our lives are submitted and conformed to the Word of God, because we live Holy and consecrated lives, we are empowered to speak the Word of God with authority that brings hope and transformation to others.
Every opportunity we encounter in our day to day lives is a chance to manifest the glory of God.
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