THE CALL TO HOLINESS

We’re called to holiness (1 Peter 1:15). But what does that mean?

The Book of 1 Peter is a call to all Christians to live holy, honorable lives in Christ. Jesus modeled holiness in every aspect of His life. He was exiled by a hostile world, persecuted for our transgressions, and suffered death on a cross for our redemption. Through it all, He remained holy.

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15-16

Call to Holiness

As children of God, we’re pilgrims in a world that is not our true home. We belong to the unseen Kingdom of God.

In this world, we face darkness and suffering. However, God calls us out of the darkness into His glorious light. He promises that our suffering is temporary and that the perseverance we gain is for the glory of His divine Kingdom.

The call to holiness is a call for obedience, righteousness, and perseverance.

Call to Obedience

To live as obedient children of God requires that we strive to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

Therefore, holiness is something we must practice in every area of our lives.

It must guide our thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and conduct. It must permeate our relationships and be reflected in our goals and aspirations. Most importantly, it means we have to reject our old sinful natures and conform to God’s character above the world.

We can never hope to reach the holiness of God, but we have to try. It’s a process—a journey of becoming more like Christ. Through God’s grace and forgiveness, we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit, which dwells within us, to consistently strive for holiness. Through Christ’s resurrection, we’re granted a living hope, which is the incorruptible assurance of Heaven. That is the prize we’re offered. What a glorious prize it is!

Call to Righteousness

In 1 Peter, we’re reminded to live Godly lives and that, as Christ loves us, we are to love each other. That means we’re called to do good works and use the freedom we’ve been granted in Christ to serve others and not the world.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 1:22

Call to Perservere

Peter reminds us that we’re God’s holy people, set apart for a special purpose. As such, we can expect persecution and suffering in this world. Yet, we’re not to give in to despair as these trials refine our character and purify us for the glory of God.

Instead, we’re to remain steadfast and obedient during trials, demonstrating Christ’s character and shining His light in the world.

Prayer for Holiness

LORD, may we, Your chosen people, strive to reflect Your holiness in our lives. May we reject sin, ignorance, hatred, and all things of this world that separate us from You. May Your Holy Spirit guide us on the path of righteousness and obedience, transforming us into vessels of Truth and Light for Your glory. And may our focus be on our own holiness rather than on judging the words and deeds of others, so that we become living examples of Your grace and mercy. Amen.

You call us to be Holy, LORD,

in all we say and do.

To live our lives with deference,

to place our trust in You.

You strengthen us 

when we are weak.

Guide us as we pray.

Your faithfulness

remains steadfast.

Your Spirit lights our way.

You offer us Your mercy

when we falter in our steps.

You bless us with abundant peace;

In You we find our rest.

You call us to be Holy, LORD,

to turn away from sin.

To keep our hearts 

and minds aligned,

with Your Spirit dwelling in,

the fabric of our beings,

fashioned by Your hands.

To seek Your grace 

above the world,

to surrender to Your plan.

For You, LORD, guide with purpose,

Your will marks all our days.

You call us to be Holy, 

to stand before You unafraid.

For You’re a God of mercy,

of deep, abiding love,

all that we are and will ever be,

all that is and ever was,

comes from You, our Father.

You reign over creation.

You light the way before us, LORD,

and guide us to salvation.

AMEN.

JN Fenwick (© 2026)

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JN Fenwick (©2026) | mothjournal14 | All rights reserved. | I DO NOT WALK THIS RECOVERY JOURNEY ALONE.

I’m JN Fenwick.

Wife, mom, but more importantly, a recovering alcoholic with a grateful heart. For years, I struggled, not just with alcohol, but with an eating disorder and the burdens of guilt and shame. On March 22, 2018, I surrendered my life to Christ. I was 51. God did not forsake me. He welcomed me, as undeserving as I am. He did not see my brokenness. Instead, He saw my potential. My Recovery Journey is one of Faith. From the ashes of my failures, God built a fire in me. A fire that guides each step I take. My journey is yours. My healing can be yours, too. God is a mighty warrior. You can take comfort in the promise that the Lord will fight for you and grant you peace.