Published 9/6/19
Read 2 Corinthians 7:1
"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
Reflect
• How can you perfect holiness in your life?
Holiness. It's one of those words that conjures up images of uptight church ladies in floral dresses. It even brings to mind a long list of rigid, narrow-minded rules that are out of touch with reality--not to mention completely out of reach.
Yet consider this: Scripture says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).
I want to see the Lord. I want to spend eternity with Him. I don't want to miss out on knowing God because I am without holiness. But at times, my life seems to stray far, far away from anything that remotely resembles holiness.
The truth is, no one is born holy--and none of us can fake it by acting holy or thinking holy thoughts. We can't even pursue holiness unless God stirs that desire in their life. So, what's a weak, imperfect Christian to do?
I draw closer to my Holy Father, and the revelation of His Word speaks to me: "For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance to his pleasure and will" (Ephesians 1:4).
Life does not revolve around me. My desires, my plans, my self-gratifying nature must die. Life is all about His cross and our love for Him.
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy' " (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Pray
Lord, I hunger for Your holiness. This hunger is a passion to pursue You--to know You, and to become like You. Breathes holiness into my life. Amen.