Tag: Living for God

Hope That Demands an Explanation

“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess” (1 Peter 3:15, NET).

When Peter penned this command, he wasn’t writing to people living in comfort or ease. He addressed believers facing persecution, whose hope stood out precisely because their circumstances seemed hopeless. It wasn’t a hope grounded in fleeting optimism or naivety but in the unshakable reality of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

The question for us today is this: Do we live with a hope that forces others to take notice? Hope isn’t something we merely claim to have; it’s something we exude. It colors how we handle disappointment, how we treat those who wrong us, and how we speak about the future. True hope isn’t quiet; it’s radiant. It shines so brightly that others can’t help but see it, even in the mundane or the messy.

This time of year is a unique opportunity to reflect that hope. In the holiday rush, when many are burdened by stress, loss, or unmet expectations, we can live as people who are at peace. When the world clamors for more—more gifts, more parties, more perfection—we can quietly demonstrate the contentment found in Christ. Our hope is not tied to circumstances but to the Savior who has come, who reigns, and who is coming again.

But living with noticeable hope requires intentionality. It begins with setting Christ apart as Lord in our hearts. This means surrendering our fears, anxieties, and ambitions to Him, trusting His sovereign goodness in every area of life. When we do this, our hope isn’t forced; it’s natural, a reflection of who He is and what He’s done.

Hope that stands out also requires us to be prepared. If someone asks why we live differently, are we ready to give an answer? Not with defensiveness or arrogance, but with gentleness and respect, pointing them to the source of our hope. Our witness is strengthened when our words and our actions align—when we live in a way that makes the Gospel both attractive and believable.

As we navigate this season, let’s ask ourselves: Does my hope in Christ demand an explanation? Am I prepared to share it when asked? May we live in such a way that our lives invite curiosity, and may we be ready to respond with the beautiful truth of the hope we have in Him.

Holy Like Him: Living Out Our Call to Be Set Apart

“As the one who called you is holy, you yourselves be holy in all your conduct, for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

This is not a casual suggestion. It’s a direct call, echoing Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. It’s an invitation to reflect His character, to be set apart, distinct, and marked by His righteousness. But how do we live this out, and why does it matter?

Holiness often feels unattainable. We might picture it as perfection, a state we can never achieve, but that’s not the full story. Holiness is about alignment—aligning our lives, thoughts, and desires with God’s will. It’s less about flawless performance and more about being devoted to God, letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out.

Living out this call means being intentional in how we conduct ourselves, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). It’s in the small, everyday choices: speaking truth instead of lying, showing kindness instead of retaliation, pursuing purity in a culture that celebrates indulgence. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing God’s heart.

Why does this matter? First, it matters because God’s holiness defines who He is. To be His people means reflecting His nature. Our lives are meant to point others to Him, and holiness is the light that shines through us. Second, it matters because holiness brings freedom. Sin enslaves, but holiness liberates us to live as we were created to. Third, it matters because it’s a foretaste of eternity. In heaven, we will dwell with God in perfect holiness; here on earth, we begin that journey now.

This call isn’t easy, but it isn’t one we bear alone. God doesn’t ask us to muster holiness from our own strength. He equips us through His Word, His Spirit, and His grace. As Peter reminds us, we have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). This new birth empowers us to grow in holiness, craving the pure milk of the Word so we may mature in our faith (1 Peter 2:2).

The call to holiness is not a burden but a privilege. It’s an invitation to draw near to God, to be transformed by His presence, and to reflect His glory in the world. Today, let’s ask ourselves: In what ways can I align my heart and actions with His holiness? Where do I need to surrender and let His Spirit work in me?

“You shall be holy, because I am holy.” It’s not just a command—it’s our identity as children of the living God.

Well Done, Good & Faithful Servant

In Matthew 25:21, Jesus recounts the words of the master in the parable of the talents: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” These words capture the heart of what it means to serve God wholeheartedly with all He has given us, and they encourage us to strive for faithfulness as stewards of His gifts.

This passage reminds us that God entrusts each of us with resources, opportunities, and responsibilities—not only physical or financial blessings but also spiritual gifts, time, and influence. The challenge is not necessarily to produce huge, visible results but to be fully invested in what He’s entrusted to us. The commendation comes not from outcomes alone but from faithfulness and commitment to using what He has given for His purposes.

The parable demonstrates that faithfulness is more about stewardship than success as the world defines it. To the servant who buried his talent out of fear or complacency, the master expresses disappointment and disapproval. This part of the story challenges us to examine whether we are holding back what we have out of fear, insecurity, or distraction. Instead, God invites us to engage fully and risk our gifts for His sake, trusting Him with the results.

Back in Luke 19:17, we found a similar parable of the ten minas, where the faithful servants are also commended and given greater responsibility. Each of these stories emphasizes that God desires active engagement—He doesn’t merely ask us to preserve what we have but to expand His kingdom with it. This may look like stepping out in faith in a new ministry, reaching out to others in love, or cultivating deeper devotion to Him in our everyday lives.

When life’s pressures make us want to hold back or play it safe, these parables remind us to keep pressing forward. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, saying, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God sees our efforts, and He is the one who empowers our faithfulness. Trust that each step you take in obedience matters to Him.

Our ultimate reward isn’t in the praise of people or the accumulation of worldly success but in hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from the One who sees and values everything we do in His name. Let’s live with that day in mind, pouring our energy, resources, and love into the work He has given us. In doing so, we will experience the true joy of serving the Lord and the deep fulfillment of investing in something eternal.