Deeper Day 158: Holiness

What leads us to holiness? What is required?

Jesus.

He made us holy with His blood. The great refining is what takes place after the blood washes us clean and affords us access to the Father and a residence in heaven. Some experience in a moment a great shifting in their lives that reflects a great refining. Only God can do that. Most of us, however, experience a more gradual process that still only God can do. One thing is true though, both groups of people will continue to walk out a lifetime of refining. It’s never finished this side of heaven. No matter how much healing I receive in my heart, I continually find myself standing at a precipice where I know deep healing of another level is the only way forward. This is because I consist of many layers inside. I have so many different layers of life lived and lies believed and hurts received, that as one layer is healed it gives room for the next to be discovered and recovered. This is the beauty of the believer’s life.

This long process of refining leads us ever closer to Abba. We shouldn’t hate it, because it is altogether loving.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12:1-13

Prayer Moment: God, I surrender to Your refining hand. Forgive me for times that I’ve turned away in discomfort. I commit today, to being still as You work on my life. I am committed to Your loving hand. Forgive me of my sins and lead me down paths of righteousness for Your name sake. I adore You. In Jesus name, Amen.