Word@Work 1Pet9 - 1 Peter 1:14
Published: Thu, 05/07/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOULD
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (NIV)
By nature, we tend to become like the people around us. It is as though they set the shape into which we pour our lives. Moulding technology is commonly used for reproducing anything from car parts to toys, in metal or plastic, and even chocolates. Once the mould has been designed, whatever goes into it will come out with the same shape and characteristics. The same is true with the 'factory' of our hearts. Our desires provide the mould which produces behaviour (cf James 1:14-15). Sinful desires lead to sin.
Before we knew Christ, we simply conformed to the society around us. We did not know any better. But when we became children of God, He placed His truth in our hearts (cf Jer 31:33) to displace ignorant lies. He gave us new desires, and a new heart (cf Ezek 26:36) that is capable of pleasing Him. But we are not robots in a production process, automatically filled with holiness: we have the responsibility to stop pouring ourselves into the old sinful mould, and to choose to obey the Lord (cf Rom 12:1-2).
God's children should want to please Him because they love Him. As Christians, we grow closer in relationship with him, as His Word sets the pattern for our lives. Then our desires, choices and character should become shaped by what we know will honour Him. That happens through our daily decisions in the workplace and at home. God's heart for integrity, merciful justice and humility (cf Micah 6:8) should be expressed in time sheets, expenses claims and appraisal forms. Dishonest trading and exploitation do not come from God, neither do slander or rage (cf Eph 4:31). Peter urges us to be active in rejecting those old lifestyles and choose to be obedient children of God.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank you that I do not have to live with corrupt values any more, because you have set me free from that mould. Please help me to reject the possibility of going back to those old ways. Help me to grow closer to You and to be hungry for Your Word shall shape my desires and behaviour at home and work today. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
By nature, we tend to become like the people around us. It is as though they set the shape into which we pour our lives. Moulding technology is commonly used for reproducing anything from car parts to toys, in metal or plastic, and even chocolates. Once the mould has been designed, whatever goes into it will come out with the same shape and characteristics. The same is true with the 'factory' of our hearts. Our desires provide the mould which produces behaviour (cf James 1:14-15). Sinful desires lead to sin.
Before we knew Christ, we simply conformed to the society around us. We did not know any better. But when we became children of God, He placed His truth in our hearts (cf Jer 31:33) to displace ignorant lies. He gave us new desires, and a new heart (cf Ezek 26:36) that is capable of pleasing Him. But we are not robots in a production process, automatically filled with holiness: we have the responsibility to stop pouring ourselves into the old sinful mould, and to choose to obey the Lord (cf Rom 12:1-2).
God's children should want to please Him because they love Him. As Christians, we grow closer in relationship with him, as His Word sets the pattern for our lives. Then our desires, choices and character should become shaped by what we know will honour Him. That happens through our daily decisions in the workplace and at home. God's heart for integrity, merciful justice and humility (cf Micah 6:8) should be expressed in time sheets, expenses claims and appraisal forms. Dishonest trading and exploitation do not come from God, neither do slander or rage (cf Eph 4:31). Peter urges us to be active in rejecting those old lifestyles and choose to be obedient children of God.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank you that I do not have to live with corrupt values any more, because you have set me free from that mould. Please help me to reject the possibility of going back to those old ways. Help me to grow closer to You and to be hungry for Your Word shall shape my desires and behaviour at home and work today. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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