1 Peter 1:13-21 NIV
[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Dear God, Peter seems to be emphasizing the fresh start we can get through Jesus’ grace and how we should move forward in holiness as much as possible. Accepting his grace is our reset button, but we have to do our kart if we are going to live transformed lives from that point on.

As I sit here on January 3, it kind of makes me think of New Year’s resolutions. We get in our heads what we resolve to do for the new year and more often than not (much more often than not) we fail after a short period of time. In this case, we resolve to be holy, but do we count the cost? Do we play the tape to the end and really think through what our resolution to be holy will cost us in terms of actions and denying ourselves?

Father, as I resolve to be holy, help me to assess what that will mean in terms of the media I consume, the ways in which I judge others, and the love I am called to show. Help me to also dedicate myself to the worship of you that you deserve from me. It’s easy to say that I will be holy, but it’s another thing to resolve to think through what that means and then submit myself to that process.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen