A Life of Holiness

Romans 2:21-23 (New International Version)
you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? ²²You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?

Our problem in today's society is that people who claim to be Christians do not act like it. In that passage of scripture Paul is calling out to those people who aren't living what they are teaching. You see, it would be kind of difficult if your parents told you it was bad to drink, and yet they did it themselves; if they told you not to commit adultery, and then did it themselves. It completely destroys our witness when we do not act as God has called us to. I think that the reason that a lot of people are so closed up when it comes to faith, is that they have seen so many people come to church, talk about their faith, and then turn around and go against everything that they know is right. We don't act like children of God, we act just like the world. So, consequently, people do not see a difference in us.

Hebrews 12:14 (New International Version)
¹⁴Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

We are called to live peaceful holy lives as believers. A life worthy of our calling; a life that others look at and envy. People are not attracted to our hope in Christ when we don't live in holiness. Because, quite frankly, it isn't attractive. Everyone lives like the world. Everyone listens to the same music, does the same things, wears the same kind of clothes. But when you live in true holiness, you are going to be different. And if you aren't different, then something is wrong. Are you living a life of holiness?

1 Peter 2:22 (New International Version)
²²"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth."

1 Corinthians 5:21 (New International Version)
²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus is the perfect example of holiness. He was completely holy. When we make Him the person of our worship, awe, and adoration, we will start to act more like Him. His life was completely holy because he never sinned. Unfortunately none of us will ever achieve complete holiness because we have all sinned. But we can try with all that we have not to sin. When you live a life of peace and holiness, people see Jesus.

Write down some of the most important things in your life, and the things that you spend the majority of your time doing, whether it be sports, school, computer time, etc. Then look at that list and ask yourself if you are doing all those things for the ultimate glory of God. Ask yourself if you are living a life of holiness. Romans 8:6 tells us that "the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Be controlled by the Spirit and re-focus your life on Christ. A life of holiness- a life that emulates Christ in everything.

Your Sister in Christ,
Jessica