the pursuit of holiness.

"there is absolutely no shortcut to holiness that bypasses or gives little priority to a consistent intake of the Bible" -jerry bridges, 'the pursuit of holiness'

i just finished reading this book on my bus rides to and from work. it's a quick and easy read, and provides plenty to think about. one of the biggest ideas that i gleaned: holiness is not an option. we are called to be holy, and part of that process is choosing obedience to the will of God in the areas where usually we most want to resist.

one of these is knowing truth and speaking it boldly and lovingly into the lives of those around us. what a daunting task, when we try to attempt it by our own will and strength!

i have been seeing this practically at work in my own life over the course of this past week as the Lord has convicted me that i don't call people out on sin because i fear their response and that i'll do a bad job at it, that it will be received or perceived badly. when compared to scripture, this attitude is selfish and unloving- i don't point people to TRUTH because i'm AFRAID they won't receive it well??? what else is there that matters? while at the same time, i treasure the times that people point out my own sin and point me to Jesus (even if my initial response to confrontation is sometimes prideful). but to point people to truth i have to know it myself, which is where the quote above comes from. in order to be effective as followers of Christ, we ourselves have to know and live out his teachings ourselves. this is the area where i'm weak, and where i have to rely on the Lord most deeply while studying the word diligently and consistently. there is much truth to learn, and much to remember, it's easy to be afraid that i'll forget. but i have to trust that the Holy Spirit will provide the words and the wisdom that i need, and protect my mind and heart when i act in obedience to what he has called us to do.

there is so much freedom in trusting the Holy Spirit.

love,
tracey