Crystal January 10, 2017

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.”
1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV

One of my favorite movies is "A Few Good Men" with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson.  In one of the many famous courtroom exchanges, Col Jessup (Nicholson's character) is explaining what it is like to be in a forward area of aggression and that because of that orders are always followed or "people die".

If you have seen the movie, the last two lines from this exchange are delivered in such a was that the viewer knows Jessup has just hung himself.  In Jessup's desire to make things "crystal" clear to Kaffee (Cruise's character) he has severely damaged his own defense.

Kaffee: When Lt. Kendrick spoke to the platoon and ordered them not to touch Santiago, any chance they ignored him?

Jessup: You ever served in an infantry unit, son?

Kaffee: No, sir.

Jessup: Ever served in a forward area?

Kaffee: No, sir.

Jessup: Ever put your life in another man's hands and asked him to put his life in yours?

Kaffee: No, sir.

Jessup: We follow orders, son. We follow orders or people die. It's that simple. Are we clear?

Kaffee: Yes, sir.

Jessup: Are we clear?!

Kaffee: Crystal.

In a Christian's life there may be areas of less than crystal clarity, but Paul reminds us of an area that is clear, crystal clear.  We are to be holy in all our conduct. Not just our actions at work.  Not just when we are at church.  Not just the times when others are watching.  All our conduct, all the time should be holy, "Set apart for God's purposes."  All we do must be dedicated to God.  Work.  Volunteer projects.  Play.  Vacation.  All  our conduct.  All means all.  100%.  Everything.  Complete.  Nothing held back.

Jessup: Are we clear?!

Kaffee: Crystal.