He is coming back. Be prepared.
In today’s reading, the passage begins with a call to prepare our minds for action and to be self-controlled, emphasizing the importance of being alert and focused on our faith. Peter urges us not to conform to our former ignorant ways but to be holy as God is holy. This holiness is grounded in the redemptive work of Christ, who was sacrificed to redeem us from our futile ways.
In other words, it is time we grew up: ‘As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy*”’ (vv.14–16, MSG). Only the Holy Spirit, who brings about this new birth and now lives in you, can make you holy.
Leave behind the empty way of life and, instead, live a life of ‘sincere love’, loving one another deeply from the heart (v.22). This is the ultimate goal of the Christian life: love for Jesus who died to make all this possible (v.19–20) and a passionate love for one another (v.22).
* Consider also Matthew 5:48:
“Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”