On my last trip overseas, I was determined to get everything in one midsized suitcase. No way was I going to lug two suitcases and my backpack around airports, hotels, and global workers’ homes. So, I had to make some decisions. After my first packing attempt, I needed a do-over. There were items I had to leave behind. After my second attempt, I needed a do-over-over. Finally, the bag shut without looking like the zipper was going to break apart! I was good to go. Peter tells us there are certain behaviors that we need to leave behind.

1 Peter 2:1
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

The journey of life calls for us to travel light. However, there are some things we must remove from our “bags.”  Forget the weariness that comes with the extra weight; the conduct mentioned in today’s passage will bring you to a spiritual halt.

Malice: the desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another.

Deceit: distorting the truth to mislead someone.

Hypocrisy: from the Greek hypokrisis—play-acting.

Envy: coveting the advantages, success, or possessions of others.

Slander: attacking the reputation of someone with your words or writing.

These actions and attitudes must be left behind. They cannot be part of our journey.

Father, show us if we have malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, or slander in our lives. After you point them out, please give us the strength to get rid of them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.