A work in progress!
As Christians we are truly a work in progress. God continues to work in our lives through His Holy Spirit, so that we might walk in the newness of life and continually move towards abiding in the image of Jesus Christ. Striving towards a life of sanctification (holiness) is an ongoing process which will be a constant challenge for us. Peter speaking to the Christians of his day may well be speaking to us the Christian community of 2023 when He said, “Prepare your minds for action, and be sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, since it is written, you shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Living a sanctified (holy life) can only be fully achieved upon our ascension into heavenly glory. Yet, it should be our desire to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us, so we might be empowered to live in accordance with the will of Almighty God. This is an ongoing struggle and battle we are immersed in, as sinful human beings, which we can never win by relying on our own abilities. Jesus knew this was going to be the case and that is why He said He would send a Helper, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (the Holy Spirit) to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells in you and will be with you”. John 14:16-17
Jesus was the only human being who ever lived a totally holy and God-pleasing life. We are His disciples and we have been given His example to set before us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you do not grow weary or faint-hearted”. Hebrews 12:1-3 Blessings as you fight the good fight of faith and live to be holy! Pastor McCarty