We are to live in harmony with all. Not with just those we like…not with those who only believe as we do. No, we are to live in peaceful co-existence with everyone. Jesus came preaching the Gospel of Peace, not that of elitism, isolation, or hatred. It’s a tough road though to love your neighbor as yourself…for many around us are unlovable. That’s why the second part of this verse is so important. We may not be able to change the unlovable around us, but we can change ourselves and how we interact with them. Sanctification or holiness is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ Jesus everyday…of looking at all people – even the unlovable- through His eyes.
Tag: holiness
I Peter 1:15 ” 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’ “
For many of us, when we read this verse, we see the almost impossible task of holiness. Well aware of God’s call to live a holy life, our path deviates far from His desire for us. But if the Holy Spirit is residing within, all is not lost to feelings of guilt and shame, for with the call also comes the ability to live that holy life. It happens by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule and reign within and not our flesh. Holiness is a way of life…an attitude and focus, not an unreachable goal.
Isaiah 35:8 ” And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.”
A prophet’s lifestyle must be that of holiness – a life of prayer, obedience, and integrity. In leading this life of consecration, they can then proclaim the message of holiness, that we may follow. Sanctification… it’s not a word you hear batted around much in this modern-day world…but it’s something essential in the process of making us holy. By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, our actions and behaviors will be consecrated unto God. To be sanctified is to be set apart by the Lord…it’s not a one time happening, but rather a life-long journey down the highway called holiness.
Matthew 5:8 ” Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
To be pure in heart means that every motive, desire, and thought is conformed around what the Lord would want of us. It means that our hearts would be free of the pollution and guilt of sin, and our hands clean. And in that bright and radiant state of holiness…we would then see His beloved face and live forever in His presence.
I Thessalonians 4:7 ” For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.”
What exactly is it to live a holy life? I dare say, what I consider to be living a holy life may differ greatly from what you think. Each one of us comes from differing cultures, backgrounds, and upbringings. Each one of us are at different places in our Walk with the Lord. Aristotle defined holiness as standing between caring to please no one, and endeavoring at all costs to please everyone. In other words…we should strive to please God not man, all the while being Jesus to everyone around us.
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