Holiness at One Step At A Time
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Story: What is having a close relationship with God worth to you? Paul assumes that this should be something Christians strongly desire, a motivation powerful enough to resist sinful temptations to both body and soul. The promises that Paul speaks of in 7:1 he gave in 6:16-18 – that God will dwell among them, walk among them, be their God, will welcome them, and will be a father to them. In order to enjoy these promises of closeness with God, Christians are to cleanse themselves from anything sinful or defiling. They are to pursue holiness in the fear of God, knowing that He will evaluate their actions and will respond accordingly. There’s a lot of work involved in all that Paul is saying, but the bigger picture is the Christian’s relationship with God, and the great opportunity to know God and be known by Him!
My Prayer Response: Father, I’m honestly torn as I pray. I love the thought of being close to You; I struggle at the thought of pursuing holiness with this intensity. Not that I don’t want to be holy, but I have so many attempts that were failures in my past. But, I will do as You say. Help me to seek You, to love You, to trust Your grace for the challenges ahead. One step at a time, one choice at a time, help me to draw closer to You – and to cleanse myself from all sin.
May you seek to pursue holiness in the fear of God today!