Living Right!

Living Right!

Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life--a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.
2 CORINTHIANS 7:1 AMP

What are the great and wonderful promises that today's extract refers to? A quick look at the few verses that end the chapter before this one gives insights into these promises. Of great and grave importance is the power of association. If I am careful of the company I keep, it will positively impact the things I do. If I am careful about the people i allow to influence me, God is able to reach me whenever he wants, and he can place a demand on my life, time, resources and possessions. His blessings and favour are the natural consequences that follow my pursuits and priorities being aligned with God's perfect will.

There is a demand that I cleanse myself from anything that can contaminate my body and spirit. Does this mean that the task of cleansing is all mine, with no help from God? Today's extract is directed at people who have made Christ the focus and are striving to follow Him. Divine help is available to ensure that I am kept clean and available for God's use at anytime. It is easy to say it is God's responsibility to clean me up and keep me clean, but I have a role to play. God does not force his ideas and principles on me, and whatever I surrender to Him is what He is able to keep safe and preserve.

Why is being clean so important? Is it because God himself is Holy and without any blemish, spot, wrinkle or stain. He is so Holy that even when His own Son took up man's sin on the cross, He couldn't bear to look at Him. If God can deal with sin so decisively and finally, I believe we have to see sin in the same light if we will get God on our side. The Holy God wants lives He can inhabit and work in and from, and the one thing He needs is surrender.

There is a deep connection between the fear of God and holiness. If I fear God, I will be very careful to avoid whatever will cause Him pain. If I know what displeases God, I will make sure I avoid such things. If I take stock of my life at this moment, can I say with certainty that God's desires are my utmost priorities? Fear of God leads a man to be careful about what he does, says and where he goes. Fear of God works well for the present life and is the guarantee of the life to come. If I will enjoy the blessings God has promised, then I have a non-negotiable duty to dedicate my life to the single pursuit of God. His time of favour is here.