We all know that God calls us to live holy lives. Even the unbeliever looks at us to see if we are living holy lives. They often do it to find a way to condemn us. Our Father does it to find a way to bless us.
The what is not under question. It is the how that often stupefies us. How in the world is it possible to abstain from all the worldly pleasures that stand ready to tempt us at every turn? How can we possibly measure up to the standard of perfection that Christ provided for us?
The how is mercy and grace – the dynamic duo. By God’s mercy, we are forgiven of all of our sins and led to eternal life. By God’s grace, we are empowered to follow in the footsteps of Christ. His grace is best defined as “Christ in us, our hope of glory”.
As we surrender our lives to Christ, making him our Savior and Lord, he comes into our hearts, makes them his home, and begins to direct our thoughts, prayers, and actions.
Our Father provides for us all of the faith, hope, and love that we need to overcome every challenge. And there will be challenges.
This life is one big obstacle course. As we overcome each challenge by keeping our eyes on Christ, we are gradually transformed into Christ’s image from glory to glory.
As it is written: After you have suffered a little while, he will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. And the words of the Lord are pure words, they are like silver, refined in the furnace, purified seven times.
~ Brad Heilhecker
Restored People Community 