Be Holy // 2 Timothy 1:9

Today’s verse frames an important truth. God created you with a plan and a purpose for your life. Sin got in the way of that plan, which is why Jesus died for you — He paid the penalty for your sin and fulfilled God’s wrath. God’s offer of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus isn’t based on anything you can do, but what Jesus already accomplished. This is entirely because of God’s incomprehensible love for you! I find it very humbling that Jesus preferred the reality of the cross to the reprehensible idea of an eternity without me. How ’bout you? There is a bit of a catch, though — you cannot continue to live willy-nilly, oblivious to God. Scripture repeatedly instructs us to be holy because God is holy (see 1 Peter 1:13-25). Being holy means we are set apart and live differently from the values of the world. Believe me, I know how challenging that can be; especially when it seems that practically everything is trying to discredit and denigrate any-and-everything that has to do with God. The advice you’ll find in Scripture to help you when times get tough is very helpful. When you feel tired, tempted, or terrified (1) remember your salvation and what Jesus did for you; (2) exercise self-control and don’t succumb to the world’s ways; (3) be obedient to God’s by not slipping back into old, sinful habits; (4) and choose God’s way because God chose you. Be different. Be bold. Be holy. Others will come to know the goodness of God as a result.