~ I Peter 1:16
Sometimes we make our Christian lives so complicated. We draw up our 3-point outlines, wax eloquent about our theological pontifications, and create our petty notions of what's really important. We don't argue over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin anymore, but sometimes I think we disguise it in other topics of daily "Christian" conversation. However, I was sitting in church, finding my mind doing its own dancing with the theological ramifications of something or other and complicating the situation further with my own "wisdom," when God, in His still small voice, said to me so clearly, "Be godly, Sarah."
So often we try so hard to sound spiritually intelligent to ourselves as we struggle through understanding situations in our lives (at least I find myself doing this more often than I'd like to admit). But the point isn't to sound godly - the point is to be godly. It was so refreshing to be reminded from Scripture that what God wants from His children is holiness. It's not an easy task, but it is a simple command. Around all our other elaborate theological efforts lies this founding truth - Be like Him. Be godly. Live as He would live, in His standard, for His glory.
And the even more refreshing thing about it? It's GOD'S work in us! Our responsibility as His children is to surrender control, and then He does the rest. The Holy Spirit provides the power and the ability to do right. He wasn't sent to DO our Christianity for us, but to CONTROL our lives for His purposes. We are simply His vessels, His workmanship. Then when it's His work, it's effective and it's powerful!
While still sitting there in church, I was reminded of a leadership retreat I went on back in high school. We were all sitting around the campfire and our teacher asked us what plans we had for life, where we saw ourselves going and/or what we wanted to do. When the question came to me, I remember saying that I wasn't sure what God had vocationally for my future, but I did know that I wanted to be a godly woman. I wanted Christ to so reign in my life that people could see His reflection in me. That is still my prayer. I want to be godly. Every day, step by step, His power of righteousness should abound in me (John 14:17b; 2 Tim. 2:20-25), and the other things, while I still actively pursue the truth, will be founded in His righteousness as I act out His will for my life.
My one focus is to follow Him, wholly and unreservedly. Everything else works out for His purposes as I reflect Him, my all in all. As I am filled with the Holy Spirit's empowering ability, I walk in godliness.
While still sitting there in church, I was reminded of a leadership retreat I went on back in high school. We were all sitting around the campfire and our teacher asked us what plans we had for life, where we saw ourselves going and/or what we wanted to do. When the question came to me, I remember saying that I wasn't sure what God had vocationally for my future, but I did know that I wanted to be a godly woman. I wanted Christ to so reign in my life that people could see His reflection in me. That is still my prayer. I want to be godly. Every day, step by step, His power of righteousness should abound in me (John 14:17b; 2 Tim. 2:20-25), and the other things, while I still actively pursue the truth, will be founded in His righteousness as I act out His will for my life.
My one focus is to follow Him, wholly and unreservedly. Everything else works out for His purposes as I reflect Him, my all in all. As I am filled with the Holy Spirit's empowering ability, I walk in godliness.
Simple.
2 Corinthians 5:9 May I please Him in all I do and say.
2 Corinthians 5:9 May I please Him in all I do and say.
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