This is the Faith I Live By: I will see God if I pursue peace and holiness.
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”
Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)
Aspire. Pursue. Persist. Achieve!
With rare exception, people often give up too quickly. We all have dreams, and for a period of time we fixate on them wishing we could achieve them. It is a rare breed of people who see obstacles as inspiration, and use difficulties as fuel to propel them to their next goal. God wants us to put our trust in Him and know that nothing is impossible if we believe (Matthew 17:20).
From Spiritual Failures to Victorious Saints
However, today’s thought is not just about our everyday achievements, although God does care about those. Most importantly, today’s thought is about moving from being spiritual failures to becoming victorious saints. Our theme text exhorts us to pursue peace with others, and holiness. Does that sound familiar? The Ten Commandments are all about that. Love for God and our fellow human beings are the two great commandments that undergird the law.
So in other words, holiness is achieved when we focus on God’s love and His law. Do you see how this works? We receive peace and holiness when we set our focus like we do our goals and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to push us and discipline us as we run. I am not suggesting that these principles are eluding us. It’s just that life’s circumstances often sidetrack those who are not focused on the prize.
Pursue With Faithful Focus
Today can be your day to recommit to pursuing peace and holiness. Yes, there will be a multiplicity of trials, tribulations, temptations, and distractions to get you off track. This is why God promises us angels who excel in strength, along with the Holy Spirit, to provide us all the support we need to achieve God’s standard of holiness. The fact of the matter is, without them none of us will see God. Let’s cooperate with God and help others do the same.
By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by. Let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.
