The Pursuit of Holiness is a “Fight,” But it Leads to Eternal Life

      In a society where immorality, violence, and selfishness are the norms of behavior, Christians are called to put on the character of Christ. It is difficult, Paul likens it to a “fight” (1 Timothy 6:12). But we are able to emerge victorious from our struggles, for the Holy Spirit empowers us. We strive to reflect God’s holiness in our relationships, our jobs, and in all other areas of our lives. This requires looking to the Bible, rather than to popular culture, for our standards of behavior. In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul instructed us to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” Only obedience to holy, biblical principles such as these pleases God. God’s ideals are the only ones worth striving for, and are the only ones that lead to true happiness.

The Lord, whom we praise, can keep us from strumbling: “You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name” (Psalm 97:10-12).

Pray this confession to the Lord to your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word: “This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment” (1 John 3:23).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater commitment to the Lord,
• Renewed strength for the “fight,”
• Whatever else is on your heart.

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord: “Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17).

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you  to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time —God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:11-16).