1 Peter 1:14: As Obedient Children, Do Not Be Conformed To The Passions Of Your Former Ignorance,

1 Peter 1:14

[14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, (ESV)

If you are reading this devotional you are likely not a small child. As an adult it is not generally perceived as a complement to be described as a child. We like to think that we are in charge. We can make our own decisions. We will do whatever we want. Unlike children, who have to do what they are told, we assume that we should be the ones calling the shots.

Whether we like it or not, we are described as children; God's children. Part of growing in our faith is accepting this reality. Peter reminds us that our posture before the Lord is to be one of humble submission to his authority. We do not call the shots. We are not in charge. We are to do what we are told. We are to act as obedient children.

Notice that Peter is presenting a contrast in this verse. Obedient children of God are contrasted with those who allow themselves to be conformed to the passions of their former ignorance. Every time that we think we can do whatever we want, and act in disobedience to our Heavenly Father, we end up being conformed to the passions of our former ignorance.

It seems, then, that obedience is a big deal for us. In light of this great salvation that Peter has been celebrating in the opening section of this epistle we need to continue on in our faith by being obedient. It begs the question, "Where will we find the instructions that God wants us to obey?" All of what God requires of us can be found in the pages of his Holy Word.

How obedient are you? Does God need to take you to the wood shed? (You younger readers may need to look up that reference). Spend time in God's Word with the intention of obeying it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will!