Be Holy

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:13-16

I read these verses this morning as I was thinking about what to write about and had self-control on the brain. Then, on the way to meet some friends for lunch, I heard it again in a sermon on the radio. So, I assumed that it was God telling me it was time for this one to be highlighted.

First, in looking at this passage, I think it's important to know that the battle is often won in our minds. We must prepare our minds for action. If we're constantly thinking about food, chances are we're going to slip up. I know that if I'm going to get up early the next morning, I need to make up my mind the night before that there will be no hitting the snooze button on my alarm. If I entertain thoughts of sleeping in, I do. Every time.

Next, as obedient children, we aren't to conform to the evil desires we had when we lived in ignorance. Instead, we are called to be holy in ALL that we do. Holiness isn't just for Bible reading or worship...it also permeates into all areas of our life.

And, while I can write about it here, I'm far from perfecting it in my life. This morning I heard the sermon on being holy and set apart, not conforming to everything the world thinks is 'normal.' Plus, I read this Scripture this morning. Yet, when I got to the Cheesecake Factory, I hadn't made my mind up not to have dessert. When my friends all insisted on having cheesecake since that was the name of the restaurant, I felt funny not getting a piece. After all, I told myself, that decision would set me apart as 'abnormal' or worse, as the 'fat girl.' So, I got dessert and coffee like the other girls, hurting my physical body and my wallet. I felt immediate conviction. I could have used the opportunity in not being normal to be holy instead as God commanded. I could have given my testimony to these college friends that I hadn't seen in ten years about the wonderful work God is doing in my life. Instead, I desperately wanted to blend in and cared more about their approval rather than God's.

Once again, I had to come home and confess that I am only a sinner in need of God's grace, love and compassion. Once again, I had to remind myself that this is a battle that will be won only by the blood of Jesus. If I thought on my own I could just eat better and exercise (things that we know will produce results) and keep the weight off forever, I would be kidding myself. Instead, I know that it is only through the mighty power of God that this addiction to unhealthiness will be overcome. I am only a humble vessel to be used for His purposes.

In the meantime, with His forgiveness, I must pick myself back up and ask the Holy Spirit to give me self-control and prepare my mind. I also set my hope on Jesus!

Dear Jesus, we cry out to You. We are sinners! We have failed to set ourselves apart as holy even though You tell us to be like You, holy and righteous. Please forgive us! Please have mercy on us! We praise You that You are loving and compassionate. We don't deserve Your grace, but we thank You for it. Please don't give up on us! And help us not give up, too. Please help us continue on this path of losing weight and glorifying You with our bodies. Help us not conform to the world but instead may we only honor You with all we do. We fall on our face before You and ask that You change us and break us free from this addiction forever. We worship You alone. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!