Living for God’s Will
1 Peter 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
For those dealing with chronic illness and pain, we have been given a unique opportunity to imitate Christ in His suffering. Peter says such hardship affords us the chance to turn our backs on sin. While living in excessive indulgence is not something to which we can all relate, we might be tempted to participate in gossip, or allow extreme anger to define who we are. But Peter believed there was a better way.
May we start each day with joy and praise so that sin cannot take hold. And may we know, believe and understand that we have the unique ability to imitate Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Seeking Holiness 