HOLY SINNER
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, ESV and “Since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:16, ESV
Theme: God is very aware of our human frailty; but He calls us to be holy and through Jesus and His Holy Spirit, has made a way for us to live godly lives.
LIFE / WORK BALANCE
In the last decade, the phrase “life/work balance” has gained popularity. People change jobs, make time for self-care, spend more time with their families—all to gain this elusive balance. And it’s worth the effort! Pouring yourself into your career to the detriment of your health or relationships is futile. We need balance and self-discipline in all areas: in our diet, our exercise routines, our work versus play time, and in our budgeting.
THE GOD WHO KNOWS US
Throughout the Bible, we learn how God called a people to Himself. Even then He knew we were incapable of remaining faithful. Yearly sacrifices were part of the Old Covenant that kept the Israelites in relationship with Him: a holy God approached by unholy people by the blood of an animal. This was always an incomplete, temporary solution: the book of Hebrews tells us the High Priest could only approach God once a year, and that only after offering a sacrifice to cover his own personal sin.
Then Jesus came. He is the perfect High Priest, and He offered His own sinless blood. God’s desire for a holy people was made possible. Through Him, we have constant access to the Holy of Holies, to the very throne of God. We have the righteousness of Christ, though we don’t deserve it. It is a free gift of grace.
IT’S POSSIBLE
“The serene, silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the night of God,” according to Blaise Pascal. God is honored when we strive for holiness and struggle against the temptations of sin. He asks us, as His obedient children, to be holy.
Can we be sinless? No. Can we be holy? Yes. We are already positionally clean and righteous. But we can also strive to be holy as He is holy. If we passionately pursue the Risen Lord, living as He lived, trying to love as He loved, we are in the process of becoming holy. As we turn from evil things—whether actions, talk, or thoughts—and focus on His plan and purpose for us, we are choosing to remain set apart and useful for His service. The pursuit of holiness should be the number one goal of the believer. We are to be holy because He is holy.
Make It Personal: Are you trying for perfection or holiness? Sometimes, the aim of perfection keeps us from making any forward progress, because we are afraid to move or make a mistake. Try daily to do what God asks of you. When you sense His Spirit making you uneasy, back up. If He is giving you peace or zeal for a project, move forward. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the Author and the Perfector of your faith. He is the one at work with you to bring you holy and spotless to the Father. He will send His Spirit to help you in your pursuit of holiness.
Pray: Holy Lord, thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for seeing me as righteous. You are merciful and forgiving, but I need Your power to even try to resist sin. Search me and show me my sinful ways. Help me walk with Your Spirit and bear fruit in keeping with repentance. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Hebrews 10:11-17; 1 Peter 1:13-21; Psalm 139:23-24; Matthew 3:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3:6, ESV