What a world we live in! There's so much for Christians to avoid: drugs, sexual sins, drunkenness, repugnant entertainment, the world's holidays (like Christmas and Easter), lying, covetousness, greed, foul language, Sabbath-breaking, idolatry, cheating, bitter thoughts - and this list doesn't even begin to cover the horrors of this world's ways and their pervasiveness.

Of course, as Christians, we are to avoid such iniquities: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful" (Psalms 1:1). But too many people stop there. We are to avoid sin, but we are also to observe verse 2: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night".

God wants us to go beyond simply not sinning, and while at times even this can be difficult due to other factors, such as addictions and peer pressure, we have a higher calling. God wants you to be known by what you do more than what you don't do.

Step It Up!

"...as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" (I Peter 1:14-16).

Avoiding the world's ways is good, but how often do we raise the bar? How often do you reach beyond what you've done in the past and really push yourself? God is not calling you out of sin to sit around and do nothing; He's calling you to be holy, just like He is! Are you known for extending yourself beyond what you've done in the past? If not, reassess your priorities!

Verse 13 makes use of an interesting phrase: "gird up the loins of your mind". Unlike our modern day jeans or khakis, the typical covering for the lower half of one's body in New Testament times was a tunic. Tunics were much like a dress, and made it difficult to run around or move quickly. The phrase "gird up the loins" refers to a specific way to tie a tunic, converting it from a form like a dress or robe to one we might call shorts (here is an infographic of the process). With this, the wearer was ready for action! God is calling you to action! By these actions, we should be known to others.

Set an Example

In 1 Timothy 4:12, God tells young people to "be an example." Does He tell us to "just not sin," and that's the extent of our example? No! We are to be examples in "word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity." To be an example in such things requires action, not simply sitting around all day saying, "well, I guess I didn't smoke, lie, steal, or otherwise sin today, so I think I'm setting a good example for God's People."

We can pray for others, engage in Bible study, fast, keep God's Sabbaths and Feasts, use good manners, maintain a respectable appearance, serve selflessly, teach others about God's Way, honor others, encourage others, work with diligence, and more; there are so many ways we can follow God as a "light" to others (Matthew 5:13-16).

So as you go to work or school today, remember that you are called out of sin, which can be a trying task in its own right. However, you aren't called to stay there, as there is something much higher God has in store for you. He wants us to "be holy," which requires us to be ready for actions that reflect well on ourselves and also glorify Him. Live that example, and be known for what you do more than what you don't do.