1 Peter: Being Formed Into the Image of ChristShembull

Understanding How People Change

Day by day, as we navigate the journey of life on the road to our eternal home, God's will for our lives is that we might be fully transformed into His likeness so that we might partner with Him in advancing His kingdom here on earth. As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to a life of holy living and obedience to the ways of God.

In his first letter, the Apostle Peter writes, "Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he [Jesus] who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct." (1 Peter 1:14-15 NRSV)

Throughout the letter, he provides examples of how we should conduct ourselves on our journey homeward. 1 Peter 2:1 says, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander." And just a few verses earlier, 1 Peter 1:22 tells us, "Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart."

However, in a culture hyper-focused on progress and accomplishment, it can be easy to misunderstand the Apostle Peter's repeated call to holy living and obedience to the ways of God.

Why? Because when it comes to behavior change, culture tells us that some combination of self-help, willpower, and determination is the path to becoming a better version of our current self in the future. Intentionally or inadvertently projecting culture's methods for how people change onto transformation in their spiritual lives can have catastrophic results.

In contrast, becoming more like Jesus, or the process of being transformed into His image, happens from the inside out. Transformation happens in close proximity to His presence. In His presence, we are reminded of the Father's great mercy for us, which has given us a living hope found only in Christ's resurrection from the dead (see 1 Peter 1:3-12).

Holy living and obedience to the Father's will then become the fruit of time well spent soaking in the presence of Jesus. In His presence, we receive grace upon grace, enabling us to discipline our mind and body for action through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Over time, holy living and obedience to Christ should result in a life of love for all people that we meet along our pilgrimage home. As His apprentices, we are called to "have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind" (see 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NRSV‬‬).

If you enjoyed this reading plan, check out my weekly devotional, focused on helping Christians become more like Jesus. Sign-up here.