July 21, 2024 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

by Pastor Imman Garcera

A Worthy Pursuit (Hebrews 12:14)

Imagine a runner going for a personal best. They train, pushing their limits, all for a single goal: to finish faster than ever before. In our Christian lives, holiness has a similar function. It's not a destination, but a continuous pursuit – a relentless striving towards living a life that reflects godliness or God’s character.

Hebrews 12:14 captures this concept: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Holiness isn't about religious perfection; it's about aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God's will as believers. It's the ongoing process of shedding sin and growing in Christlikeness by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Why is this pursuit of holiness so important? The verse highlights a profound truth: seeing God requires holiness. It emphasizes the transformative power of holiness. As we become more like Christ, this allows us to perceive God's presence and the work of the Holy Spirit more deeply.

Church, the pursuit of holiness isn't always easy. It demands discipline, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront our shortcomings. However, the pursuit is worth it. A life impacted by God's holiness fosters deeper intimacy with Him, greater peace, and the ability to reflect His love to the world around us. So, the challenge is, let's embrace this worthy pursuit -- one step at a time, knowing that with God's grace, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can continually grow in holiness and draw close to Him.