“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” 1 Peter 14-16 NIV
We serve a holy God, and He has called us to live righteous lives. To be righteous is to practice the fruits of the Holy Spirit and to abstain from sin. Jesus gives us a clear example of what it is like to live a life of righteousness, but He is not the only one. In the Old Testament, we find the many prophets God sent to proclaim direction, correction, and judgment. Not only did the prophets live righteous and good lives, but they also heard God clearly and operated with authority and spiritual gifts that were not yet available to other believers.
As Christians, we all have the ability to come before God and pray for the things we need or desire. However, scripture clearly tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. To be righteous means more than doing the right things. To be righteous also means saying the right things and being sensitive to the heart of God.
As Christians, we all have the ability to come before God and pray for the things we need or desire. However, scripture clearly tells us that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective. To be righteous means more than doing the right things. To be righteous also means saying the right things and being sensitive to the heart of God.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit” James 5:16-18 NIV
Though we may not be like the Old Testament prophets, we are called to strive toward the goal of holiness. Sin is what separates us from God, so the less sin we have in our lives, the closer we get to God.
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God” 1 John: 2-9 NIV
Living a holy life isn’t easy, and even Jesus told us that there would be tests and trials. Life will always have its high moments and low moments. What happens to you in life isn’t easily controllable, but you can control how you respond to situations. Not one single person can say that he or she has life perfectly figured out. We may stumble and fall into sin at times, or we may get caught in a situation that requires wisdom and knowledge beyond our abilities. It is important to not only be connected with other believers and leaders but to also be completely honest about your struggle. We were never meant to fight battles or face difficult situations without proper assistance.
Unfortunately, many people in the church seem to put on happy faces, hide their trials, and act as if nothing hinders their faith. Yet time and time again, the Word of God tells us to build each other up, encourage each other, correct each other, and teach each other. We are called to use wisdom regarding what information we share with certain people, but we are not made to do things on our own. When times get hard and when our faith gets shaken, the best thing to do is seek out help from our spiritual leaders or trusted and mature Christian friends. People who are not involved in the situation may have different insight on how to handle it. Letting others know about your situation will also give others the ability to share with you what God has done in their lives when they were going through tough times. Many people face battles alone instead of seeking support or help from others. You can’t receive guidance if you don’t let others know what’s going on. At the very least, you can have others join you in prayer and stand in agreement for your success!
Unfortunately, many people in the church seem to put on happy faces, hide their trials, and act as if nothing hinders their faith. Yet time and time again, the Word of God tells us to build each other up, encourage each other, correct each other, and teach each other. We are called to use wisdom regarding what information we share with certain people, but we are not made to do things on our own. When times get hard and when our faith gets shaken, the best thing to do is seek out help from our spiritual leaders or trusted and mature Christian friends. People who are not involved in the situation may have different insight on how to handle it. Letting others know about your situation will also give others the ability to share with you what God has done in their lives when they were going through tough times. Many people face battles alone instead of seeking support or help from others. You can’t receive guidance if you don’t let others know what’s going on. At the very least, you can have others join you in prayer and stand in agreement for your success!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
Not only should we encourage one another in the hard times, but we should also encourage one another when things are going well and according to plan! Sharing about your dreams, goals, or even ministry ideas can inspire others to help you and push you forward! We each play our role in the church and in the body of Christ, but we function better together than we do separately.
