DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 22 May 2025: Courage For Holy Living
Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV)
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
KEY VERSE: (1 Peter 1:15,16) “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Many Christians do not realise that it takes not just the grace of God to live a holy life in this polluted world, but also courage, purpose of mind, and resilience. These are needed to help the Christian stand out, hold on, and persevere in the path of righteousness. The story Dietrich Bonhoeffer provides some inspiration as history tells us how this man demonstrated courage in holy living. During World War 2, around the 1940s in Germany, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor who opposed the Nazi regime. Despite facing immense pressure to conform to the ideologies of the Nazi party, Bonhoeffer stood firm in his faith and actively spoke out against the atrocities committed by the regime. He was involved in the resistance movement. He was eventually arrested and convicted of treason. He was executed by the Nazis just days before the end of the war. He thus paid the ultimate price for his convictions. Bonhoeffer’s courage to live out his faith in the face of adversity is exemplary. Usually, God does not demand from us what He would not give us the grace to do.
Our passage provides evidence of the possibility of living a holy life as demanded by God. The Scripture assures us that God’s commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). We are given guidance on how believers should conduct themselves amid this perverse and crooked generation. We are encouraged to “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This alludes to our personal responsibility to always remain alert and in the state of preparedness, ready to live daily with the consciousness of getting to heaven when Christ returns.
Holiness of life is projected as a compulsory credential in getting believers ready for Heaven. It reflects the character of God in our daily lives. Holiness must define our identity and conduct everywhere we find ourselves.
Experiencing the transforming power of faith generates the courage to demonstrate the holiness of God, which is a compelling requirement for every Christian. You can ask for grace and courage today to live a holy life always.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Holy living is not optional; it is essential.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 3-5
Daily Manna 22 May 2025
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