VOW: Believe, Behave, Be Holy

Verse of the Week:

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1

The good news is that Yeshua/Jesus came to pay our debt, to redeem us from bondage to our sin. To give us direct access to the Heavenly Father. The gift of forgiveness and restoration should awaken in us the due response to want to show our respect and gratitude for the grace bestowed on us by following His commandments, His example, His ways. If we fill our hearts and minds with His Word, that is what will exude from us under pressure.

“There are two things to do about the gospel. Believe it and behave it.”

~ Susanna Wesley

Susanna Wesley is right, we have to believe the gospel and behave as though we do. Belief is more than just knowing that you know something. It is life changing. I don’t mean that in a trite way – the way we conduct our lives should be different from the way we did before, and different from non-believers.

Let’s not think that we can behave according to our own desires and whims. Yeshua saved us from the debt of our sin, we are now to live holy, set-apart lives in reverence to our Father.

Paul tells the Corinthians, and us by extension, to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. That reminds me of another verse when Yeshua/Jesus told prospective followers to take up their cross daily…

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

There is a behavior that is proper for a professing believer in Messiah:
living in faithfulness and holiness.

Live it out this week

Don’t be scared by the word holy. Holiness and being holy is being set apart, separated for His use and glory. You probably have everyday dishes and your special China – dishes that are set apart for use only for special occasions or company. We are to be the Father’s specials vessels.

It is time to be holy, set-apart. Search out other scriptures about holiness. Consider your behavior, repent, and pray to the Father for forgiveness and His gracious assistance to walk the strait an narrow road so you may enter the narrow gate. Be one of His willing special vessels.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to behave in a way that is compatible with what I profess to believe about You. Help me to pursue holiness. In Yeshua’s (Jesus’) name, Amen.

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Susanna Wesley (1669 – 1742) – Woman of God, mother of John and Charles Wesley

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