Progress is one of my key life words for this year. I have plans and goals and schedules and resolutions pertaining to make excellent progress in various areas such as physically, vocationally, financially, relationally, etc. with the list extending onward and upward. But overarching it all, I look to progress (make every effort) in holy living. Holy, simplified, is meaning set apart. Actually based on two ideals, it is set apart from something (the world and sin) and set apart to someone (Almighty God).
I realize that relying upon God for righteous living is vital, but also want to do as He says in Hebrews 12:14 - "Make every effort...to be holy..." I consider that the only way to do so is by pressing on, no matter what, since perfection is quite elusive. Truly, sometimes there is pain in progress, but it is worth it.
I like the words of J.I. Packer on this subject. "While we lay heavy stress on faith (coming to Christ, trusting His promises, believing that God knows what He is doing with our lives, and hoping for heaven), we touch very lightly on repentance (binding one's conscience to God's moral law, confessing and forsaking one's sins, making restitution for past wrongs, grieving before God at the dishonor one's sins have done Him, and forming a game plan for holy living).
A gameplan for holy living, living in newness of life can be part of our passion of life. Let's keep pressing on together.
A prayer:
Lord, all I have is yours. All in my life really belongs to you. Please help me to realize and reaffirm that spending this life for you, in holiness, is worth any pain of progress. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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