Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NRSV
Perhaps some of you celebrated the start of the New Year with a serving of black-eyed peas and greens. I was fortunate to learn about the importance of this culinary tradition for so many of us in the South during my time serving in Fayetteville. Through an invitation to attend the annual New Year’s Day meal at the Crown Expo Center, I quickly realized how much this meal meant to all those attending from across the community. There was lots of laughter and plenty of smiles, with full plates of food covering all the tables, as we anticipated the start of a New Year.
I remember a long-time attendee giving me a quick lesson on why my plate was full of black-eyed peas and greens. There’s a lot of symbolism going on with the food on your plate, he told me, and it all had a connection to prosperity and wealth. Some say the peas are like copper pennies, and when you cook them, they get bigger. The greens? Well, that’s simple, as they represent green paper money. And if you happen to have a slice of cornbread, that’s gold. In my research on this topic, one author said if you stew tomatoes with your black-eyed peas, “it symbolizes wealth and health.”
I am not sure how all of the above connects with our younger generations who use Venmo and other forms of digital money, but I trust we will find a way to keep our traditions going!
Another tradition I find so helpful during the start of the New Year is John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service. I have always found it to be a helpful way to start fresh, to lean into a new year with hope and a desire to be holy in my daily living.
Maybe you made a resolution for the new year, perhaps joining a gym like so many other folks during January when new memberships spike greater than any other month. Maybe you began a new diet to help with all the good meals and treats you enjoyed over Christmas. Peter’s words above speak directly to me: “Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance.“
Ugh.
Our attempts at starting new habits will fill conversations from breakrooms to coffee shops to our social media platforms. With all the New Year resolution choices to consider, I believe Peter
challenges us with one that quickly moves to the top of the list: Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
John Wesley certainly felt this was an important goal, as the Holy Clubs were meant to help participants live holy lives. These spaces became places where small groups could hold one another accountable to staying focused on their own spiritual journeys, studying the Scriptures, praying, sharing the sacraments, and being in service to others. How many times have you tried to commit to a new habit, only to struggle and eventually give up? Yet, when you have an accountability group or partner, you stay on task and can fulfill your resolution.
I encourage you to meditate on Peter’s words to be holy yourselves in all your conduct. What new actions or behaviors can help you lean into this spiritual reality? Who will you ask to
hold you accountable to a new discipline or practice? What small group can you join or form, so that you can be holy?
With thanks for John Wesley’s prayerful liturgy from his Covenant Renewal Service, hear these words as you speak them aloud:
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:
put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
Enjoy those black-eyed peas and greens, friends.
David