1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 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.
The separated and new life of the follower of Christ is an essential part of the true Christian faith. It is apparent from the doctrinal sections of Scriptures as well as the historical narratives that a drastically altered life is expected from those who become true followers of Christ. I think something that we miss in this area is the way that that new life is demonstrated and observed. It is so easy for us to fall back upon lifestyle issues which are important to be sure, but they alone do not comprise the full issue of sanctification.
Paul does define sanctification in what I call hard terms of lifestyle issues such as fornication, theft and lying, but he also describes it in very important soft terms relating to the heart of the believer. That, I believe, is the subject of this portion of Scripture in Galatians:
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Don’t miss the point, that a true believer is marked by a gentle and quiet soul. He is righteous in lifestyle and quiet and gentle in spirit.
