Today’s Water and Bread of Life devotional is on Peace and Holiness: Essential Pursuits for Seeing God. In a world often filled with conflict and chaos, where division seems to dominate the headlines, how do we find a path that leads to peace and holiness?
Hebrews 12:14 offers a clear directive: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
This verse not only encourages us to seek harmony with others but also calls us to a higher standard of living—one that aligns with God’s divine will.
The Call to Pursue Peace
To “follow peace with all men” means actively pursuing harmonious relationships. This could mean listening more intently during a disagreement or choosing to forgive instead of holding onto a grudge.
Peace is a passive state and a proactive effort to live in harmony with others. In our fast-paced world, filled with differing opinions and values, this call to pursue peace is more relevant than ever.
Pursue Personal Peace
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, teaches us how to achieve this. He says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
By seeking Jesus, we find personal peace and rest for our souls. When we are at peace within ourselves, we are better equipped to extend peace to those around us.
Pursuing Peace with Others
Achieving peace with others requires intentional action. Here are some practical steps:
- Be kind and tenderhearted (Ephesians 4:32): Show compassion and understanding, even in difficult situations.
- Love sincerely and respect one another: Build relationships based on mutual respect and genuine love.
- Share with those in need and live in harmony (Romans 12:9-21): Be generous and strive to create a community where everyone feels supported and valued.
The Call to Pursue Holiness
Holiness is not a one-time act but a continuous pursuit. Hebrews 12:14 also instructs us to pursue holiness, reminding us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
This pursuit requires diligence—a consistent effort to live according to God’s standards.
Diligence in Holiness
- Be vigilant to avoid bitterness and resentment (Hebrews 12:15): Guard your heart against feelings that can disrupt your spiritual walk.
- Do not trade holiness for worldly gains or temporary solutions (Hebrews 12:16-17): Stay focused on eternal values rather than short-term gratification.
Practical Steps to Pursue Holiness
Holiness manifests in various aspects of our lives, starting with humility—acknowledging our dependence on God’s grace and extending to obedience, where we faithfully adhere to His commands.
Other manifestations of Holiness include:
- Obedience: Follow God’s commands faithfully, even when it’s challenging.
- Love: Show love in all our interactions, reflecting God’s love for us.
- Integrity: Be truthful and upright in all our dealings, maintaining a clear conscience.
- Newness: Continually renew our minds with God’s word to stay aligned with His purposes.
- Endurance: Persevere in the face of trials, knowing that they refine our faith.
- Selflessness: Put others before ourselves, following Christ’s example.
- Sanctification: Set ourselves apart for God’s purposes, dedicating our lives to His service.
Conclusion
Our pursuit of peace and holiness should be marked by determination and diligence. We must rid ourselves of anger, bitterness, and fault-finding, and instead focus on living a life pleasing to God.
Remember, the journey to see God requires a pure heart and a commitment to follow His ways.
Prayer Points
- Pray for the grace to pursue peace with everyone, even those who are difficult to love.
- Ask for the strength to live a holy life, pleasing to God, despite worldly distractions.
- Seek God’s help in overcoming bitterness and resentment that may hinder your spiritual growth.
- Pray for a spirit of humility, obedience, and love in all your interactions.
By striving for peace and holiness, we align ourselves with God’s will and prepare our hearts for His presence.
This journey is not easy, but with God’s help, it is possible and rewarding.
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