Impossible to Please, part 2
PART 2
(read ⇒ part 1 from last week)
“…LET US STRIP OFF off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. … Look away from distractions and solely unto Jesus who perfects your faith … Don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves… Pursue peace with all people and pursue holiness—a lifestyle that’s opposite worldly customs and habits—otherwise no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:1-14)
DID NOAH seek to live a holy life (in reference to part 1)? Gen 6:8-9 says, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. NOT in the eyes of men.
Speculation: Yes, he did
I HEAR people declare, “I live to make Jesus famous!”
WHAT DO YOU mean by this?? What part of this declaration influences your lifestyle? How is this lived out day to day?
AS AN AUTHOR, my vision and desire is to see people healed, set free, and equipped for spiritual warfare. Oooh, sounds wonderful and virtuous. Right?
BUT IF, in my private life, I don’t seek to know Jesus intimately and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in holy living—a lifestyle that does not conform to worldly ways (Rom. 12) nor is compatible or in harmony with it—then I’m just playing a religious game.
Speculation: My lack of integrity will become a major turn-off and my works will not withstand the test of fire.
HOLINESS
Not an easy assignment! Tough understates the faith required to align my friendships, daily habits, attitudes, thoughts, beliefs with that of a Holy God. Especially when everything around me whispers, Indulge in what pleasures you. Life is all about your happiness!
BUT. . .
WHAT GREATER REWARD is there than to know my faith-driven actions to live holy (not perfectly) and love unconditionally (despite my faults) might allow another person to see the Lord. In a sick and frightening world, man’s ONLY HOPE is in the God who loves us perfectly!
Not to forget, God is eager to reward those who diligently seek Him.
If STOCKING UP TREASURE, or rewards in heaven sounds boring and feels torturous and you feel like you’re missing out on all the fun here on earth, take a second look. Is life here really all that rewarding? If this were true, then why are the majority of us seeking ways to numb from the pain?
WORTH THE WAIT. The good stuff is coming for those who don’t grow weary of doing good (Gal. 6:8-9), for even the convicted felon on the cross next to Jesus heard the Lord tell him directly, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
