So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander...
1 Peter 2:1 (ESV)
We began a series of blogs this past week based on a passage from 1 Peter 2. Specifically verses 1-3. To read the previous post, click here. Today, I want us to take a detailed look at some attitudes and actions that we must "put away" in order for us to grow in our relationships with Christ. To begin, let's look at the phrase "put away."
To "put away" something is a forceful word that means "to cast off" or "to cast aside." Often times we take the Christian life and reduce it down to that "its all God job and I get to be lazy and/or do what I want." Here is the problem with this philosophy and mindset: God has certain things that He requires of His children. One of things that God expects from His children is that we continually grow in Christlikeness. In order for us to grow in Christlikeness and to mature in our relationship with God there are some attitudes and actions that must be cast off, cast aside, and "put away." Let's take a look at 5 things in 1 Peter 2:1 that Peter tells us to "put away."
#1: Malice
Malice is a word that is used eleven times in the New Testament to indicate the wickedness that comes from within a person. More specifically, malice is a desire to inflict pain or injury on another person. Personally, I don't think many believers take malice to this degree. However, malice can also include holding deep grudges and acting upon those grudges. I think many believers take malice to this level. Malice must be "put away."
#2: Deceit
Deceit is being deliberately dishonest. Deceit is speaking or acting with ulterior motives. Anything less than speaking the full and honest truth from the heart is deceit. I don't know what you are thinking at this point, but this is something I struggle with. God help us to "put away" deceit.
#3: Hypocrisy
This is a buzz word in the Christian circle. We all know what hypocrisy is, don't we? Hypocrisy is acting out one part while at the same time concealing your truth heart and motives. Let's face it, we are all hypocrites. Often times you hear about unbelievers accusing believers of being hypocrites. They are correct. Here is where the rub comes in: Christians try and act like they are not hypocrites and play one part outwardly while being something completely different inwardly. Let's be real. Admitting the problem is the first step in curing it. Stop trying to be what you really are not. Put hypocrisy away.
#4: Envy
Envy is a desire to possess what belongs to someone else. This often times lead to resentful discontent. For example, a certain person has something that you desperately want. Because that person has something that you desperately want, you begin to become resentful towards that person. This becomes extremely toxic both to the individual and the Church. Let's praise the Lord for what He has provided and "put away" envious thoughts and actions.
#5: Slander
Slander is speaking out against someone. On the surface, speaking out against someone is not a bad thing. Where speaking out against someone becomes slander is when one speaks out against someone and attacks their reputation or character falsely. Slander is when you or I assault someones character unjustly and untruthfully. This must be "put away."
To close, I want to leave you with one main thought to meditate upon. In this passage Peter is essentially saying this: If you want to grow in your relationship with Christ you must "PUT AWAY" these five things. If you feel like you are not growing in your relationship with God, are you holding onto things like malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy or slander? The reverses side of the statement is true as well. If you want to STOP GROWING in your relationship with Christ, allow these five things to run wild in your life. My advice to you (and to myself) is to "put away" anything and everything that is keeping you from having a deep intimate relationship with God.
Next time we will look at "How to Put Things Away." Blessings for now!
