1 Peter 4:1-6 NIV
[1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

Dear God, I had a great compliment the other day. A young coworker told me that my wife and I are “goals.”

“What does ‘goals’ mean?” I replied.

She said, “You’re the kind of people we want to be like.”

I have to confess, I never imagined anyone would see us that way. Now, in her case, I think she sees a financially middle class life that she would love to have, but I also think she sees stability and peace. And while I don’t go around beating people over the head with the Bible, I do think that everyone knows how important following you is to me. I hope that at some point she will connect the dots of the parts of my life that she appreciates to the idea of submitting myself to you.

Lest I get too haughty, there are still plenty of areas where you are still refining my heart. I get that. So please help me to be aware of those areas of my life that still grieve you and help me to willingly purge them. Help me to make it clear to those around me that the decision to follow you is the core of who I am and that your grace and love can set them free.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen