Holiness is what God wants for me, but what doesn't God want for me?

      Earlier this week I blogged about Holiness, a characteristic God desires of all His children.  Let’s look at the opposite of holiness which is evil and indifference towards God.  1Thessalonians 5:22 “Avoid every kind of evil.”  Romans 12:9 says “Hate what is evil and cling to what is good.”  We know that evil takes many forms – in our thoughts, deeds and actions toward ourselves, our fellowman and towards God.  If we pursue worldly thoughts and passions, they can overcome and consume us.  We must “resist the devil, he will flee from you, and draw near to God and He will draw near to you” as James tells us in James 4:7-8.  

      Evil also takes the form of indifference towards God.   1 Thessalonians 4:8 tells us the result of rejecting the call to holiness and a godly life. “Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Sprit.”  Also John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

      So what about you?  Are you pursuing godly holiness or are you letting the world consume your thoughts and actions?  Are you resisting or even turning away from God? What motives you each day?  I constantly remind myself that I am a work in progress.  God is not finished with me yet, thank goodness!   It is easy to be sucked into the ungodly, worldly pursuits of the world in which we live.  We all have goals and objectives we want to accomplish in our lives.  However, seeing them though God’s perspective and His goal for our life which is HOLINESS is a constant challenge.  We are promised in James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before God and He will exalt you.”  Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and will all your soul and with all your mind.”   Matthew 22:37   Does this describe the desire of your heart?  Are you endeavoring to seek God’s holiness, resist evil and exalt God in your life? Isaiah put it this way, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it”. (Isaiah 30:21)  Listen for God’s Holy Spirit to speak to you though His word and in prayer so you can walk with God and exalt Him in your life each day.

Blessings as you walk and listen for God’s voice,

Linda

The Western Wall, where Jews and Gentiles alike gather to petition God. God promises if we seek Him, He will be found. Jeremiah 29:13.