The Leaf Pile

When I was little, I spent countless afternoons with my brother and cousins raking leaves into enormous piles—and then leaping through them joyously. We always had a blast until somebody found the ever-dreaded “prize.” We’d be rolling around, tackling each other, diving in and out, getting lost under the colorful crispy blanket. Then everything would stop when one of us yelled, “OH, MAN!” And everyone knew. Someone had found dog poop, and not just with their eyes! That pile of leaves was immediately abandoned and labeled “ready for pick up.” Those memories shed light on 1 Peter 1:13-25, which reminds us of the hope we have in Christ, who, through the Holy Spirit, empowers those who know Him to live holy lives. Today’s passage calls us to live holy, and, because Jesus has set us free from our “old ways of living,” we can (1 Peter 1:14). He alone can make us holy and free from sin’s power, working to restore us completely until we see Him face-to-face. What does that have to do with my leaf pile story? Our leaf pile was contaminated with not only dog poo but also sticks, rocks, and other things that would hurt us when we jumped in. Sometimes, when we forget Jesus has made us new and His holiness lives in us, we rake sinful things into our lives that might not be visible at first glance. Remember: what we let into our lives might affect us and others later. Living holy means remembering the hope we have in Christ. He is the only One who can fill our lives with holiness! • Dathan Tenter • It can be tempting to try to live a holy life by relying on our own strength, but this always fails. Read Ephesians 2:8-10 and Philippians 1:12-13. Why is Jesus the only One who can produce holiness in us? • Read 1 Corinthians 5:17-21. Why is it important to remember Jesus has given His righteousness to those who know Him through faith in His life, death, and resurrection? But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Peter 1:15 (NLT)

Read Verses:

1 Peter 1:13-25