We need reminders. Life comes at us fast, and days can bring a wide range of either routine or hectic activities. In the routine, it is easy to go through the motions. In the hectic, we may play the role of the fireman who is constantly extinguishing fires that pop up. Either way, or in between, it is often easy to focus on what’s in front of us, rather than being active in pursuit. The life of the disciple of Jesus Christ is a continual journey of pursuing Jesus in all aspects of our lives. As a reminder for all of us, scripture is clear about the call for us to live our lives in view of our Holy Father. We are to be obedient children who seek to live lives in view of who He is.
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV) gives us a great reminder to live our lives and conduct ourselves in this manner: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
We are going to fall, stumble, and be overwhelmed. When this happens, it is vitally important to see the nature and character of God – and the incredible benefits he gives us through faith in His Son! May we see our Faithful Father for who He is, and may this drive us to pursue Him. *The below is not an exhaustive list, but a few thoughts to encourage you.
- He is our anchor that holds us steady in troubled water. (Heb 6:19) “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the sanctuary behind the curtain.
- He has provided forgiveness of our shortcomings in His Son Jesus. (Romans 3:23-26) “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
- He is gracious with unmerited favor when we don’t deserve it. (Ephesians 2:8) “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
- He is longsuffering and incredibly patient with us. He doesn’t give up on His children when we stumble! (Psalm 103:8-14) “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”
- He is faithful. God’s promises are forever true and He does not waver in His love for His children. (Lamentations 3:22-23)“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
How do we actively pursue holiness daily?
- Recognize the need to daily depend on Him. Knowing the grace and faithfulness of God should lead us to seek him more earnestly. This happens through daily prayer, confessing our struggles to Him, and actively asking Him for wisdom and strength in our daily walk with Christ.
- Time and meditation in God’s Word. Digging into His Word allows us to see God’s character and more clearly understand His will for our lives. (Psalm 119:105)
- Know that you are not alone in the pursuit. The Holy Spirit, given fully to all who are born again, leads and works in us to produce lives that reflect God. (Galatians 5:22-23) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
- Be accountable and have fellowship with other believers. Having adopted brothers and sisters through Christ is an incredible blessing. Being on the discipleship journey with other believers who are also striving for holiness brings great encouragement, support and accountability. Proverbs 27 gives a powerful illustration of what these relationships do for us: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may we strive be dependent on the gracious, faithful and long suffering God we worship together corporately on Sunday. May we recognize and take time to depend on Him every single day. As our knowledge in the grace of the Lord grows, He is good to deepen our desire to live for Him. Our pursuit of personal holiness is going to be a joyful response of His unending love and amazing grace. Living out the life of a disciple is a moment by moment, thought by thought and step by step journey that God not only calls us to, but equips us for.