1 Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
Today’s verse begins with a “Therefore,” so we need to pause a moment to reread the verses leading up to this point. Take a few minutes and read 1 Peter 1 before we jump in. Here we have detailed truths about being born again through the Word of God. And in order for that to happen, you must take some steps to change behaviors in your own life.
Peter teaches us that we should rid ourselves of a whole laundry list of negative behaviors and attitudes. He uses the Greek word apotithemi which is translated as to take away something and put it out of the way. We actively choose to remove these negative traits from our lives, similar to how one removes clothing and sets it aside. We choose to do the same with hypocrisy, envy, and all deceit.
As a result of our setting aside these negatives in our lives, we will need to replace those with positives instead. This is where I envy new believers who have just met Jesus. They have a hunger for more, everything is a new experience, and with each new revelation and discovery in God’s Word there is growth. I still have that hunger, but since I have been a Christian for so long, my spiritual growth has slowed significantly compared to the beginning. But God’s Word is alive and unchanging, so there is yet more to discover!
Are you turning to God’s Word for your spiritual growth? Are you developing a stronger faith through studying His Word each day? If you are not a regular Bible reader, give it a try. Find a good reading plan online or download a Bible app and start going through a One Year Bible Reading plan and start a habit that can truly transform your life. (If you miss a day or two, or twenty, don’t give up. Pick up where you left off and keep going!)
Crave that pure, spiritual nourishment He has waiting for you!
Be the first to comment