Is thinking they can live their lives in any sort of way.
But in the book of Hebrews, chapter twelve and verse fourteen.
We read how very dangerous this attitude has been.
It spells out very clearly, if we would see the Lord;
If we don’t live a holy life, we’ll perish by God’s sword.
No matter how we look at it, this fact is very clear.
Unless we live a holy life, the Lord won’t let us near.
It true we must be born again. That’s where we all begin.
But this is not a licence to live a life of sin.
In fact it’s just the opposite. When we are born again,
We should adopt a lifestyle that is void of every stain.
Sin should be repulsive; it makes our “blood run cold”,
And we should follow holiness the way we search for gold.
He wants us to be flawless; like freshly fallen snow.
He wants us to be spotless no matter where we go.
Our ultimate intention must be to live like Him,
For even little defects will make our light go dim.
The letter of Saint Peter, chapter one and verse fourteen,
Describes what is required; a life that’s pure and clean.
He wants obedient children who’ve taken on new ways;
Not living the old lifestyle we lived in former days.
The Lord has made us righteous; those former ways have gone.
And now that we have met Him, we need to carry on,
Living out the righteousness He gave to us for free.
It came with our salvation when He died for you and me.
But is it really possible? I thought you’d never ask.
He sent His Holy Spirit to lighten up the task.
And though it seems impossible, He’s surely guaranteed,
That He can impart holiness in word and thought and deed.
It’s really not a struggle. He knows that we will fail,
But it is held before us just like the Holy Grail.
And if we keep on trying to live for Him this way,
He’ll carry on assisting us each moment, every day.
So never think that holiness is just some empty dream.
Not while He is leading as the captain of the team.
Not while He’s determined to help us see it through,
By showing us each moment exactly what to do.
And when our lives are ended and we’re finished with life’s race,
We’ll know that even holiness came by the Master’s grace!
Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 19 June 2011
