“…as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance” 1 Peter 1: 14
Among the common themes of the New Testament, the reader will find a unanimous appeal from all authors to practice nonconformity. If you’re familiar with the standards of quality management systems, that’s a dirty word. No one wants to be guilty of a nonconformity.
But Peter, as well as Paul, gives believers permission to be nonconformists. But of what? He is encouraging his readers to detach themselves from their former lusts. What are these lusts that we are to refrain from?
Without unveiling much of Peter’s letter prematurely, he is of course describing worldly desires. He’s talking about the things we wanted before Jesus freed us from a path of self-gratifying desires. You know, those things that the Bible defines as ‘works of the flesh.’
Paul gives us a list to work by in his letter to the Galatians. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. Galatians 5:19-21)
But the list isn’t exhaustive. The list includes anything that places the emphasis on us and detracts focus from God. It’s everything that the unregenerate man wants to do.
Instead, Peter says we are to be like obedient children. Remember how simple that was. Mom said do this and we did it. Dad said don’t do that and we didn’t (at least, when we were obedient). Isn’t it amazing how complicated we make things? When Peter makes it so clear (he learned from the very Best by the way), we desperately need a childlike faith.
We hear His voice and we follow.
ccragamuffin
mtsweat
I cannot personally relate to your last paragraph, in that I didn’t have a normal childhood. I had no discipline in the way of behaviour and I had no “childlike faith” in parents or anyone else.
However, when I was adopted into the family of God – adopted by a PERFECT Father and shown the love of a perfect Father – I understood the concept of childlike faith. Now, as He empowers me and enables me, I delight to do His will . . . and I am thankful for the way He pulls me back to Himself whenever I stray.
Jesus was both radical and a radical nonconformist. As His disciples, we should be also.
Great reminder, MT!
Shalom, Art
Thanks, Art. I like that term, “radical nonconformists.”
You’re so right, Mike! I never, well almost never, disobeyed my parents – because I loved them so much. If I love my Father as much as I claim, following His call should be absolutely natural.
Thanks Debbie and God bless.
What a great message Mike and so True, if we are to be perfected in Love, the fleshy nature has to be put to death by The Spirit and as we choose to do so He empowers us to walk in Love.
Colossians 3:4-6 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Thinking of you both and your God given family – Christian Love Anne
Thanks Anne, great words. God bless.