The Battle for the Will

1 Peter 1:13–21

Being holy is not just about following rules or being good. It’s about changing the way we think, feel, and act. It’s about understanding that we can do wrong things, just like anybody else. But the aim is to change our character and devote ourselves fully to God.

1. The mind

As Christians, we have a unique way of thinking. We acknowledge that we can do wrong things, but we also believe that God can fix everything. We prepare ourselves for the possibility of doing wrong, but we trust Jesus to keep us steady. This mindset of readiness and hope is a key part of being holy.

2. The will

Being holy means completely changing how we live. It’s like we’re citizens of heaven living on earth. We follow the principles of our spiritual home, such as honoring the importance of sex in a committed relationship, being generous, forgiving, and loving, and respecting life. Living a holy life means living as a stranger in this world, following the principles of our true home, God’s kingdom.

3. The heart

Being holy means changing what we want and why we want it. We should aim to be holy above all else. Understanding and thinking about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is essential because it motivates us to aim for holiness. Becoming holy needs dedication, hoping in God’s grace, and a deep understanding of the price Jesus paid with his sacrifice.