Why Holy Matters
A Father Who Judges

Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 1:13-25

Key Verse:  1 Peter 1:17

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

The last answer to the why question, when it comes to our holiness, is that we have a Father who judges impartially.  We should be motivated to live holy lives because at our judgment day there will be no favors passed out.  Our Father judges impartially.

            How many people do you know that believe they are the exception to the rules?  Most of us are tempted to this kind of thinking, that we won’t be caught or we won’t face consequences that others have faced.  Our human tendency is to believe that somehow we can do things and receive a pass on the negative consequences.  This is especially true for those whose parents or friends have bailed them out of trouble repeatedly.  This kind of continual treatment gets a person believing that “somehow, no matter what I do—no matter the poor choices I make, it will all work out fine.”

            The Bible verse for today is warning us Christ followers that our Father in heaven does not show favors.  If you were able to read the suggested additional reading, you know that the verses just before our key verse speak of holy living.  We should be holy for one major reason: Our Father in heaven is holy! (verse 16).  We are not to conform or bend to the evil desires we had before coming to Christ.  We must prepare our minds for action and be self-controlled to live a life worthy of Him!

Father, search my heart and see if there are any offensive ways within me.  Grant me the strength to be honest and confess those ways before you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.