I learned a phrase while serving with the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault. The phrase said “Stay Alert, Stay Alive” I always remembered this because of its significance and importance to a soldier when it was said to us. We wanted to endure whatever situation or conflict we encountered by paying close attention and staying aware of our duty, mission, and purpose. It was important that we followed the orders and commands of our superior to the letter because our training and our supervision is what will get us through our situation. Just as I transitioned to a different preparation and war, the same phrase can be assigned to every believer in Christ as we commit to the discipleship of our faith.

Staying alert means that we are aware of the problems and influences of our desires and lust, which can cause us to lose focus on helping others. Our ability to stay alert means that we are prayerful and mindful of the people who are reaching out to us as leaders and examples of God’s love and grace to help them find peace and salvation. Staying alert means that we are following the writings of the Bible and the Moral and Ethical teachings that reveal that we are transformed and renewed in Christ Jesus.

Also, staying alive means that we are keeping the faith and finishing the race towards sanctification and holiness by building a relationship with God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We must not be afraid to live a life that pleases God around our friends and family that reveal the written words of scripture in our walk and our talk daily. Being alert and staying alive means that we are no longer dead to sin but are alive in Christ to proclaim the message of salvation, holiness, and godliness as a way of life.

Loving God and Being a Believer in Jesus Christ of Nazareth isn’t hard if we are focused on staying alive in the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. In tonight’s discussion, we will be talking about the Apostle Peter’s letter to the diaspora or scattered exiles of believers in Jesus who were of all races and creeds who were living in different areas and needed to be instructed and encouraged as believers to continue to live according to the standards of righteousness that they were instructed to live. Regardless of their surroundings and their old customs and courtesies, being a believer meant change and renewed with a different lifestyle that did not indulge in immoral acts or vices.

Living for God means that our lives are examples of peace and kindness while showing that we can abstain from worldly temptations that lured us into sinful situations by remembering that our outlook on life and our eternal life is to live in grace and peace with God’s will.