An admonition through Peter... Be Holy.

This morning I woke up about 8:15, and took my time waking up. Already a battle was going on for my attention... My day was dawning, and there were many things lobbying for the focus of my thoughts. I shut my eyes again tightly, and mentally pleaded with God to defeat the incessant lobbyists, and take His rightful place in my focus. He responded by giving me a tool. A song. I don't even remember which song now, but it was a praise song. Gently, yet suddenly, the simple lyrics rose above the horizon of my conciousness in a display far more beautiful then the morning's own sunrise. My heart began to pour out a melody of worship to acompany the words, and I started to worship Him. Then the lobbyists found my attention again, and my praise was forgotten more quickly then it had begun. The song was still there though, when I finally stopped to listen to it again. I focused as best I could, and tried to pray... I thanked God for the day, and for loving me so much. I asked Him to help me honor Him in everything I did, and to help me flee temptation. I prayed that He would gently hold my future wife for me, and keep her safe over the weekend. I prayed that she would draw close to Him, and learn to find fulfillment in Him... just as I was struggling to do the same. Yet, everytime I gathered enough focus to present another request to God, it dispersed again directly afterwards. I started to realize how little time I truly spend quietly listening and meditating on God. I coud barely get out my side of the conversation without getting lost in distractions. So that was my final prayer... 'Lord, teach me to listen.'
So far today has been beautiful. The sun has been lighting my eyes, and my heart has felt peaceful. At lunch, I half grudgingly realize that, right then, I was content in my singleness. I was content with being alone, because it means that I can give my full attention to my King.

As for the title of my post... I was reading 1 Peter this morning, and after I read this passage, I decided I should post it here. It's powerful, and to the point.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'
Since you call on the Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."
(1 Peter 1:13-23)

Remember I talked about fearing God, in a previous post? I said I didn't know how... But right there is at least part of the answer: 'Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.' Fearing God is living as Christ exampled, out of respect and love for God. It is keeping God as our focus throughout the day, and not daring to let sin or distraction take our eyes from Him. I've been spending some time quietly pondering the day so far... Have I been focused on fearing God? What about loving those around me, deeply and from the heart?