Drastic Measures

If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet.

Matthew 18:8

THERE’S A MISLEADING INTERPRETATION OF the gospel that is sometimes preached today. It’s really not “good news” because it’s not quite true. It’s the message that God loves you just as you are and that His main concern is your happiness. The problem with this message is subtle but dangerous. If your happiness isn’t completely linked to what brings God glory, then it’s not really that important. In fact, you can’t be truly happy and fulfilled apart from loving and obeying God. So yes, God does love us as we are, but He loves us too much to let us stay that way. His love is purifying, transformative, and relentless.

Some people give up on holiness before even starting. “I’ll never be perfect,” they say. True. But holiness doesn’t require perfection. Being holy is first a matter of identity. It’s the mark of a true son with a powerful and loving Father who has given us a clean record. This new identity, then, should change how and why we live. Though we can’t pay God back for His gift of grace, we can and should show our gratitude by how we live. If we have habits, influences, or patterns that are sinful, God will help us take measures to break them. It’s for our good! God helps us live apart from sin because He wants us to have a deeper, more meaningful, purpose-filled experience with Himself. He created us for relationship.

BOTTOM LINE

God wants us to live holy lives so we can experience Him to the fullest. Is there a habit, influence, or personal pursuit separating you from God?

Moment of Strength: John 14:21