Called to Holiness

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

It is important to consider the basis of our position in Christ and what that position entails or demands from us. God clearly underlines the basis of the relationship that he calls us to, and it is very clear that God is the One taking the initiative every step of  the way. First he created man and breathed into him. He placed man in the environment where he would thrive and fulfil purpose, but man fell. Yet, God would not give up. Right there in the place of sin, mercy spoke about a plan for salvation through the seed of  the woman. It was not an emergency plan; nothing catches the eternal God by surprise. He knew what was ahead and made adequate eternal provision for any eventuality.

Christ is the basis of our stand in God. Nothing else has been given, no other channel has been approved. If God called us by himself, we owe it to Him to discover why he called. The extract above clearly shows the basis of our call- to live like God, to be his representative, to live a Holy life. Everything else is extras; the only reason why we were called out and saved is to live holy, like God. If it were not possible, God would not make such a demand on us. The reason why God demands such from us is also indicated in today's extract- it is not because we deserve it. With God, merit, connection, ability, capacity, intellect and capability do not count for anything; long before I was born, God had already laid the foundations of my relationship with him through Christ. All I had to do was believe and receive.

In Christ, the first and most important reality isn't so much about what I can get from Him, but how I should live my life in appreciation of what he has done. If someone has given his life for me, the best I can do is to live my life in daily appreciation of that love. Too many times, those who claim to have Christ live by standards set by those who do not know God or who have rejected his gift. We pursue possessions, position, power, influence and privilege, forgetting that nothing in this life lasts, except the One who lives forever and only those found in Him are guaranteed life after now. Everything else you touch down here is just but for a moment.

Grace has been offered and grace is personified through Christ. He is the certified way to God and he is the fulfilment of God's eternal plan for all of mankind. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life; life itself must go through him if it will be relevant and will make impact. There is no place for self-esteem and qualifications; those things don't count when it comes to grace. There is no "I" or "me" in Grace. It is all about God, helping me run the race that he has set before me and providing all that I need to ensure that I end well. His time of favour is here.