May 21

Holiness can be an intimidating word, especially for new Christians. It's like "how am I ever going to be good enough for God?" Well, holiness isn't about adding more holy habits to your to-do list, it's about what God is doing in you and through you as you grow closer to him.

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Three Thoughts

The will of God can be such a confusing thing, but one of the main aspects of it is this: your sanctification. God is after your holiness. Whereas sin shrinks your life, holiness expands it, setting you free. And one of God's goals is to make you a whole human.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:3

"Be holy, for I am holy." Doesn't that sound impossible? God wouldn't call you to something he won't help you become. Holiness is about you reflecting your father, growing into your inheritance.

1 PETER 1:15-16

Striving for peace. Pursuing holiness. These take effort. They aren't passive things at all. Your salvation is already secured in Christ. The striving is just the outworking of what's already true. So, keep going. Keep pressing in. Holiness is worth it.

HEBREWS 12:14

Two Quotes

Bishop and preacher J.C. Ryle on holiness:

"Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God."

Theologian John Owen on sin:

"Be killing sin or it will be killing you."

Prayer

Dear God, I want to be holy, but I'm tired from trying. Remind me that you're the one doing the work in my life, I'm just cooperating with your Spirit. Strengthen me to say no to what drains me and yes to the things that grow me closer to you. Make me more like you, Jesus, in order to enjoy life to the fullest. Amen.

Question

What's one area of your life where you've settled for "good enough" when God is calling you toward holiness?

See you next Thursday,
Zach

P.S. My friend Elijah introduced me to the KNOW Series the other day and it's really helping me go deeper on a few topics. I bought these books: Know the Creeds and Councils (my current read), Know Why You Believe, Know How We Got Our Bible, and Know The Theologians. I'll definitely need a new box of highlighters after I finish reading them.