Spring Cleaning 1 April 2008

1 Peter 1:13-25
Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Today is the first day that actually feels like spring to me. The breeze is gentle and warm. Even though the weather is overcast, it only reminds that April is known for its showers. The buds on the trees are turning to blossoms. The flowers in my yard that only bloom once per year are in bloom. Something about this season bespeaks new opportunities. It makes me want to get my house in order. I feel like I should be getting ready.

Yesterday's text discussed the trials and struggles that are a part of the human sojourn in a barren season. Today's text reminds us that winter does not last forever. And since the Lord's kingdom is at hand, there are some actions that are critical for believers to engage. Get ready! Prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Remember that the Lord requires much more than a half-hearted attempt at service. The standard is holiness in all your conduct.

I usually find the call to holiness intimidating. But this time as I read the text, I realized that God was not saying "Make yourself holy." God certainly knows that we don't have that capacity. Really what God is giving us is a promise of holiness: "You shall be holy because I am holy." We're supposed to let God's holiness rub off on us, just as child inherits the traits of a parent. Getting our minds ready, bringing discipline to our character, and living faithful lives simply makes room for God to show off the beauty of God's Spirit in us. And remember that unlike the beauty of the blossoms and flowers of spring, God's offer is for a beauty that will not fade.

Sing, "Lord I want to Be a Christian"

Let us pray:
Holy God, quite apart from the signs of the changing of seasons in nature, we are grateful for the changing of seasons in our lives. How wonderful it is for us to see the buds and blossoms emerging in our spirits. We long to be like you, Lord, to have your character and disposition formed in us. Make us holy. Make us faithful. Make us Christians, in Jesus' name.