HARRISBURG, Pa. (BRN)–We live in a somber day. And truth be known, we have been living in a multitude of somber days.

We’ve all sat in front of our televisions and computers and watched chaos break out all over our land. But we shouldn’t be surprised because this is not our home. Like Abraham, we Christians are like “strangers in a foreign country,… looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9, 10).

God! God is building HIS Kingdom, and all the kingdoms of the world will soon fade away.

1 John 2:17 tells us “the world IS passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (ESV).

What is God’s will for His people?

Consider the way Peter admonished those who were facing persecution and uprisings during his day:

“13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:13-19 ESV).

What does this passage tell us to do?

First, prepare your minds for action:

Prepare your minds through God’s Word itself, instead of relying on news channels and social media to inform your actions. Do the hard work of “be[ing] still before the LORD and wait[ing] patiently for him; fret[ting] not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7 ESV).

Only when you have heard from God, take action. If you love Him, show that love through obedience.

Set your hope fully on the grace of Jesus:

Take courage from what Christ has already done for you—enduring all of humanity’s sin, shame and disgrace. Your actions – and your hope – should overflow from His incredible grace. What is overflowing in you? Hateful opinions, discouraging words and threats? Or are you allowing God’s grace and mercy to set the tone? It’s plain to see where hate can take us. Let’s focus on love instead.

Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance:

Romans 12:2 tells us to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (ESV).

Do you want to advance God’s Kingdom here on earth? Daily, there are several hundred of people in Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey who are facing an eternity separated from God. What we conform to will inform others of whose we are. How will they know Christ if you continue looking like the world?

Be holy in all your conduct:

In other words, be a model or an example in accordance with the Kingdom to which you have been called. If we profess to be His people, then we ought to be striving to be more and more like Him. Having shed the former things, consider how your conduct can draw people to Jesus and not away from Him. Aim for the fruit of the Spirit to be displayed in every aspect of your life.

Conduct yourselves with fear:

I acknowledge this is a high calling. And we won’t always get it right. But in the spirit of unity and grace, I implore you to “seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) and allow God to use you as a healing agent for our land. God is no respecter of persons. He loves all, but can you imagine His heart for those who have reverence for His holiness? Let’s seek to please Him today.

I am praying for you!