Paul was burdened for the church as they did not walk in faith, obedience, morality, etc. In that, Peter noticed that the churches really didn't grasp their identity in Christ. Peter sets out here to remind the people of the church that they have a new life, and challenges them to walk in it. Peter exhorts the church why it is important to depend on, hang on to, and take most seriously our faith. In this, Peter likens us to "spiritual stones" being built up into a "spiritual house".