For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
—1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (KJV)
The call to holiness is easy to ignore in a world that lives by very different standards than God's will revealed in the Scriptures. Satan gets us to compare our lifestyle with those around us, deluding us into devaluing our sins. However, the issue is not comparing our sins with others. The goal is to have a thankful heart, cleansed through Jesus' work, being made holy more and more each day through the work of the Holy Spirit, and all because of God's grace. Ignoring or toning down the Spirit's call for our holiness is rejecting God, demeaning grace, and making light of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. Let's be passionate about holiness in our lives because it is what God wants and what we should seek if our hearts recognize the gracious love God has given us in Jesus.
Father, forgive us for trying to water down the significance of our sins and how they hurt your heart and displease you. We invite the Holy Spirit to kindle your passion for holiness in our hearts as the Spirit empowers us to live holy lives that honor you for all you have done to save me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
The call to holiness is easy to ignore in a world that lives by very different standards than God's will revealed in the Scriptures. Satan gets us to compare our lifestyle with those around us, deluding us into devaluing our sins. However, the issue is not comparing our sins with others. The goal is to have a thankful heart, cleansed through Jesus' work, being made holy more and more each day through the work of the Holy Spirit, and all because of God's grace. Ignoring or toning down the Spirit's call for our holiness is rejecting God, demeaning grace, and making light of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. Let's be passionate about holiness in our lives because it is what God wants and what we should seek if our hearts recognize the gracious love God has given us in Jesus.
My Prayer...
Father, forgive us for trying to water down the significance of our sins and how they hurt your heart and displease you. We invite the Holy Spirit to kindle your passion for holiness in our hearts as the Spirit empowers us to live holy lives that honor you for all you have done to save me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
