Day 5: The Commitment of Holiness

CONNECT

Let’s read this short story together:

One day, a boy in Sarah’s class was being bullied because he fell, which made his uniform dirty. Sarah wanted to laugh because everyone did. Because Sarah follows Jesus, she thought of what Jesus would have done. Instead of laughing at the boy, Sarah helped him clean his uniform. Then, in a very friendly manner, Sarah just told the rest of the class to give him a break because it’s a bit too much. It wasn’t easy for her to say that because they might think that she’s not cool. But she did it anyway because she believes it was the right thing to do.

What do you think about this story? Is Sarah right or wrong for helping her classmate even if her other classmates weren’t happy about it? What would you have done?

When we say that we are committed to holiness, it means that we are committed to not doing wrong things even if others want us to. It means to always do the right thing even if others are against us. Today, we’re going to be reading more about what the Bible says about being committed to doing the right thing.

READ THE WORD

Let’s read 1 Peter 3:13–16:

Who is going to hurt you if you really want to do good? But suppose you do suffer for doing what is right. Even then you will be blessed. Scripture says, “Don’t fear what others say they will do to hurt you. Don’t be afraid.” But make sure that in your hearts you honor Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about the hope you have. Be ready to give the reason for it. But do it gently and with respect. Live so that you don’t have to feel you’ve done anything wrong. Some people may say evil things about your good conduct as believers in Christ. If they do, they will be put to shame for speaking like this about you. 1 Peter 3:13–16

Commitment means to be determined to keep doing something even if it’s hard. It is like a pledge or a promise to do something. In the Scriptures we just read, Peter encourages us to keep doing good and to continue revering God in our hearts, even in the face of pressures and trials. Keep doing what God wants you to do. When we continually keep our hearts near to God’s heart, the Holy Spirit will slowly change us and fill us with His wisdom and strength and that will help us to do what He wants.

In our world today, where the line between following God and following others is blurring, choosing to keep doing good and living holy takes courage and commitment. People will judge you because you are doing things differently than they are but if you have decided in your heart to follow God, then doing what is right will be your natural response. It may be difficult sometimes, but the Holy Spirit will empower you to know and do the right thing. When you make a commitment to live holy, God will help you. He will fill you with courage, wisdom, strength, and love for others. If we are committed to holy living, the way we live will show the world who God is. This could give us a chance to preach the gospel to others.

Do you want to make that commitment to God?

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• Can you think of something that you want to promise God that you want to keep doing? (e.g., being friendly to others, not fighting, always telling the truth)

7–12 years old

• Can you give an example of doing the right thing, even if many people would not like you for it (e.g., telling a teacher someone bullied a classmate, encouraging others to pay attention to the teacher)? Have you had to struggle with something like this? Tell us about it.

Kids to Parents

• Were you ever criticized (someone spoke bad of you) for doing something you know is right? What happened?

Do not get tired of doing the right thing. Stay on the path to follow God instead of others. People will have their opinions about you. Sometimes, they may even be your own family and friends, but that may be a good time to tell them about Jesus. As we follow God, it will also be a way for others to come and know Him.

PRAY

Dear God, by Your grace, I commit to do the right thing for You. As I do this, please give me the courage to do what is good even when it’s difficult. Thank you for sending Your Holy Spirit to help me and guide me in living a holy life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCOVER

Do you know how far Peter went in his commitment to a holy life?

He was so committed to Christ that he was martyred for his faith.

Although it is not recorded in the Bible, because of church tradition, it is widely believed that he was crucified upside down, most likely under the Roman emperor Nero.

Source

BibleStudy.Org. “How Did The Apostle Peter Die?”