DATE POSTED
Thursday, April 23, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Peter 1:14-16 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

¹⁴ So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. ¹⁵ But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. ¹⁶ For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

In 1 Peter 1:14–16, we are reminded of a powerful calling: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Growing up, most of us understood that our parents had expectations. When we lived under their roof, we knew there were standards to follow and consequences if we chose otherwise. Those lessons were meant to shape us—and in many ways, they did.

Now, as children of God, we live under a greater and more loving authority. Our Heavenly Father also has expectations for how we live—not to burden us, but to reflect His character in us.

Unlike our earthly parents, God sees everything. He knows our actions, hears our words, and even understands our thoughts (Matt 9:4; Luke 6:8). Yet this shouldn’t cause fear – it should draw us closer to Him. The same God who sees all is the One who loves us completely.

Our relationship with Jesus is not about earning His love or striving for a higher standing. That was already secured through Him. Instead, our obedience flows from love—a desire to reflect the One who saved us.

When we gave our lives to Christ, we turned away from our old ways and stepped into a new life. That means we no longer live as we once did, for in vs 16, that we are ‘holy’, because our mentor, Jesus, is also ‘Holy’! We grow to think, speak, and act more like Him every day.

And yes, this calling is high. We cannot achieve it in our own strength. But through Christ, what seems impossible becomes possible. He is the One who transforms us and helps us walk in holiness each day.

So let this truth settle in your heart: you are called to be holy—not because you can achieve it alone, but because you belong to a holy God who is faithfully shaping you.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for calling me to a life that reflects You. Help me to walk in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love. Shape my heart, my thoughts, and my actions so that I may live in a way that honors You. Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!