“Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” – 1 Peter 1:17-19 (NIV)
*If I could sum up these verses in 6 words, it would be these, “TAKE YOUR WALK WITH GOD SERRIOUSLY!” Let me put this passage in my own words to try and communicate what I hear God saying to me.
Hey People! God wants you to do something for him. He wants you to live a different kind of life. The life that God wants you to live will require doing a lot of things that are uncomfortable and seemingly unpleasant at first. It will require being nice when you don’t feel like it, giving up some things that you used to enjoy, and more than anything, standing out in a crowd more than blending in. Don’t get angry or upset about this. After all, you kind of owe it to God. Your old way of life was empty and unfulfilling; you had absolutely nothing going for you. But then Jesus came to offer you something better. He didn’t just purchase your freedom like a human buys things, (with thousands of dollars that will be worthless at the end of time). No! He paid a MUCH higher price for you. He gave his very life and spilt his blood because he KNEW that the only way to set YOU free was by taking YOUR death penalty. This kind of sacrifice is much more valuable than riches, fancy clothes, and expensive cars or even gold. So have some respect for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and be obedient to God! - 1 Peter 1:15-19 (Sarah-Phrase)
