Daily Devotional – 1 Peter 1:15-16 – December 18, 2023

“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; or it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16

Something that is emphasized a lot in Christian circles is the need to live in a way that leads people to Jesus. Sometimes people use that thought as a way to avoid actually talking to people about Jesus, by saying that they’re spreading the gospel simply by the way they live their lives. That’s not what I’m getting at. Neither one is fully effective without the other.

This verse in 1 Peter highlights the need for us to “walk the walk.” It’s not good enough simply to say you’re a Christian or to tell people how they should live if we ourselves are not living holy lives.

In the book of Hebrews the writer even goes so far as to say that “without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” That’s pretty serious. If there is no one to live out the holiness that God has commanded, there will be no way for anyone to come to God. If God’s people aren’t living holy lives, there will be no more added to God’s people.

Simply put, evangelism has two equally important parts – sharing the word of God and living it. We can teach and teach and teach, but if we never live it out, people will never come to Christ. We can also live very peaceably and righteously, but without someone telling people the word of God, they’ll never understand it. Both parts are necessary for others to see God, to believe, and to be saved.

It is our duty as Christians to do both. Some preach and teach more than others according to their gifts, but none are exempt. Some have disciplined themselves and learned self-control more than others, but everyone is required to live a holy life. Thankfully, we have forgiveness through Christ when we fail. But don’t be fooled, both are required by all.

Prayer:

Father,
Help us to spread the Word both by our words and our actions. Help us to live out the gospel that we teach and preach to the world. Let them see you through us, and let your Spirit work through our lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.