Out of DarknessSample

How to Live Vibrant in Dark Times

Have you ever thought about what it means to be holy? I remember opening my Bible as a young believer and reading that God is holy, but not fully understanding what that meant. Throughout Scripture, the word holy is used to describe God as separate. Simply put—He is the Creator, and we are not.

Yet the Apostle Peter encourages us in 1 Peter 1:15-16, But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” In other words, Peter’s saying, "Don’t go backward, go forward… and LIVE HOLY!” Not only is God holy, but He calls us out of darkness and into holiness!

Just as God is holy and separate, so are our thoughts, values, affections, allegiances, and appetites ought to be holy. Friend, we are separate from the world—yet we live in the world. God sent Jesus to show us how to live out this tension… to be in the world, but not of the world.

One essential part of living holy is preparing our minds. In verse 13, Peter writes, "Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind…" The concept of girding up is powerful—it means you’re prepared and ready to fight, to run, to move. By spending time in God’s Word and declaring the truth over our lives, we prepare our minds to live the vibrant, holy lives God has called us to!

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.