Friday, February 24 – 1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

You can often learn more about a person when you meet their parents. You see what traits they carry from their parents and what features they share. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” From the beginning of creation, our identity has been tied up in who God is. We don’t truly know who we are and what our purpose is until we know who He is. Many of us want to make a name for ourselves and stand out from the crowd. This desire to be set apart is engrained in us but is only truly satisfied when we are set apart in God and for His purpose.

When we choose to follow Jesus, life becomes about more than getting by, making a name for ourselves, and getting things done. Following Him means recognizing who we are in light of who He is. Because of Jesus, we can be set apart for God’s purpose. Because of Jesus, we do not have to live as slaves to sin, but we are free for God’s glory. What would it look like if we daily recognized God’s holiness and rejoiced in our identity that is hidden in Him? This is the most important calling on our lives. He is high above us, set apart, and He is prepared to set us apart for His purpose when we dedicate our lives to Him.

• Where have you looked for purpose outside of God? How has that let you down?
• How has knowing who God is helped you understand yourself?
• Pray and ask God to help you live set apart for His purpose and glory.