Living a Life of Holiness

Who doesn't want a new car with as few miles as possible? Who wouldn't want their box of cereal to be full and unopened when purchased from the store? Who wouldn't want their son or daughter to marry a virgin? Who wouldn't want a new computer if you can get one at the same price as a rebuilt computer? These questions should be answered in the affirmative, and there are many more questions we could ask that should end in yes. Does God have the best plan for my life? Can I live a Christ centered victorious life? Can I live a holy life in spite of some pitfalls and wrong turns? God said in his Word we can for he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Ephesians 1:4 NIV) Thru Christ’s physical death, he has now presented us as holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— (Colossians 1:22 NIV) - nobody can say anything against you! And He has saved us and called us to a holy life. (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV). And just as he who called you is holy, so be (we can be) holy in all you do; (1 Peter 1:15 NIV). For we are a holy priesthood, a chosen nation, a people belonging to God. (1 Peter 2:5 NIV) So since God said we can, we just have to put on the characteristics and virtues of a holy man/woman of God. Let’s list a few of them: 1. Must have integrity: stop living a lie, be honest with yourself and others about weaknesses, mistakes, and struggles. 2. Must learn to love everybody: Christ never said you had to like all of them :) but you have to love them. Romans 12: 9-21 shows us how our love should be an action word. No one can make us mad, WE CHOOSE! 3. Must learn to get or regain focus: the central point, or the ability to bring everything into the core. Must commit to pleasing God first. Matt 6:33 4. Must commit to growing: it is written that Man doesn't live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matt 4:4 you've got to work the word, for it will not return void, but will bring about the change in you that God desired. 5. Must surround yourself with people that look like God: everybody doesn't have to look like you, wear the same clothes as you, or talk like you; but they must take on the image of God. 6. Must stay filled: most things can't refill themselves (gas pumps, vending machines, or water dispensers); somebody has to do it. Same with our Spirit's, you must find the right PEOPLE (pastor's, teachers), PLACES (church's, good family), and Things (bibles, bible resources, and journals). Start living today a life of purpose on purpose! Kirkland Smith Sr.Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch