The Forgotten Pursuit (part 2)

Why does God want us to be a royal priest for Him, as it says in 1 Peter 2:9? Why does He expect us to obey Him? Why does He command holiness? It's not because He is some control freak who just wants to keep us in line. God is not up in heaven with a finger ready to zap us when we mess up. He wants us to be obedient and be holy because He loves us! He wants what is best for us. He doesn't want us to suffer. He doesn't want us to be hurt. He wants us to thrive! God knows that the only way for us to thrive is to be holy!