“Perfecting Holiness”

“Perfecting Holiness”

Whenever people see the word perfect or holiness, people begin to shut down, thinking that it isn’t possible, so why put such a lofty goal before you. It is treated like one of those conditions you will never be able to achieve in this lifetime, so why bother reading. Now you are seeing me use both of those words in the title of this devotional thought. Some have not even read to this point because they don’t want to disappoint themselves. So if you have made it this far, congratulations. Let’s read on. But before you do, make sure you are not reading this with anyone else in mind but yourself. Don’t apply it to anyone else but you.

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  — 2 Corinthians 7:1

Ron Hutchcraft, a well-known author and speaker, suggests using five questions to ask yourself and keep you from contaminating your mind and keep you from “perfecting holiness.”

1. Will it devalue my body? God lives in your body and anything you do with that body you drag Him into it.
2. Will it let darkness into my mind? Don’t be softened up by letting some dark thoughts in through what you watch or listen to.
3. Will it hurt my reputation? Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.”
4. Will it hurt the people I influence? Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block in your brother’s way.
5. Will it hurt Jesus? Ephesians 5:10 says, “Find out what pleases the Lord.”

The Apostle Paul echoed this in 2 Corinthians 7:1 where he speaks of our obligation to purify ourselves out of reverence for God. It is always good to run the things you are involved in through a filter to live a life worthy of the calling God places on all of our lives – to live a life pleasing to God. If you wear the label “Christian” or “Follower of Jesus Christ,” then it is worth it all to do whatever you can to live out the name of Jesus. You may not be able to please everyone with everything you do, but you don’t have to give people any ammunition to accuse you of thoughtless choices.

This Sunday evening will begin our Northwestern Ohio District Camp Meeting. We were going to have a picnic on the campgrounds but didn’t have anyone turn in their name saying they were able to attend, so we will not be having a picnic on Sunday afternoon before service. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday and will be a great time for the whole family. A schedule of services for the week is in our bulletin so try to attend. There will be childcare and services for the children as well. If you are planning on goingSunday night, let me know and I will save a seat for you.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org