What practical steps can you take to cultivate holiness in your life? Setting Our Aim on Holiness “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) Why This Pursuit Matters • Holiness is the evidence that we truly belong to Christ (1 Peter 1:15-16). • It positions us to “see the Lord” both now—through deeper fellowship—and eternally. • It protects our witness so that others “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (Matthew 5:16). Practical Steps to Cultivate Holiness • Draw near to Scripture daily – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) – Set aside focused, unhurried time; memorize key verses that confront your particular temptations. • Stay in constant, two-way conversation with God – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – Begin the day asking for strength; through the day, whisper prayers of dependence and gratitude. • Guard your thought life – “Whatever is true… dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) – Screen media, music, and conversations; replace corrupting input with what is pure and noble. • Practice swift, joyful obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Act on conviction immediately; delayed obedience invites compromise. • Flee, don’t flirt, with temptation – “Flee youthful passions.” (2 Timothy 2:22) – Identify triggers; create physical or digital distance; enlist an accountability partner. • Welcome the Father’s discipline – “God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.” (Hebrews 12:10) – Rather than resist hardship, ask how the Lord is refining character through it. • Cultivate peace with people – Reconcile quickly (Matthew 5:23-24); forgive generously (Ephesians 4:32). – A heart at peace is fertile soil for holiness. • Walk in loving service – “Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) – Volunteer, give, encourage; holiness grows as self-focus shrinks. • Stay in close fellowship – “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Choose friends who sharpen your zeal; meet regularly for mutual exhortation. • Fix your eyes on Jesus – “Let us run with endurance… fixing our eyes on Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) – Daily contemplate His perfection, His cross, and His promised return; worship fuels holiness. Staying Encouraged in the Journey • Celebrate incremental victories; they testify that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it.” (Philippians 1:6) • Remember that holiness is both a pursuit and a gift: “It is God who works in you to will and to act.” (Philippians 2:13) • Keep eternity in view—one day you will “see Him as He is,” and “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3) |
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