READ: JOHN
9:1-7
Many of us
believe that holiness is a state that is nearly unrealisable. Whenever the
subject of holiness is brought up some people always shut off their hearts as
it always brings up a negative picture on their minds. Holiness is not
something we should dread. It is an experience, which God wants to graciously
bestow upon His children. However certain things hinder us from being holy:
these are unforgiveness and laziness.
(1) Unforgiveness. God is always willing to forgive. If a perfect Holy God is willing to forgive; how much more should His children be ready and willing to forgive one another? “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgivining one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). An unforgiving spirit is evidence of an impure and ungodly nature.
(2) Laziness. Laziness hinders us from obtaining the full benefits of Calvary. In John 5:17, our Lord said: “But Jesus answered them, My Father has been working until now, and have been working.” In John 9:4, he stated: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” In 1 Corinthians 12:11, the Apostle Paul wrote: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” If the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit work, how then can any Christian remain idle and still hold himself forth to be a child of God? Laziness prevents a person from being pure of heart and mind. It robs one of God’s presence and power. If you have a tendency to be lazy, you have to beware: lazy people are not pure children of God because the Trinity still works. If you throw off the garb of laziness, you will discover that holiness is an experience that is easy to attain. If you are up and doing in spiritual matters you will discover that holiness is within the reach of every child of God.
(1) Unforgiveness. God is always willing to forgive. If a perfect Holy God is willing to forgive; how much more should His children be ready and willing to forgive one another? “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgivining one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). An unforgiving spirit is evidence of an impure and ungodly nature.
(2) Laziness. Laziness hinders us from obtaining the full benefits of Calvary. In John 5:17, our Lord said: “But Jesus answered them, My Father has been working until now, and have been working.” In John 9:4, he stated: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” In 1 Corinthians 12:11, the Apostle Paul wrote: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” If the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit work, how then can any Christian remain idle and still hold himself forth to be a child of God? Laziness prevents a person from being pure of heart and mind. It robs one of God’s presence and power. If you have a tendency to be lazy, you have to beware: lazy people are not pure children of God because the Trinity still works. If you throw off the garb of laziness, you will discover that holiness is an experience that is easy to attain. If you are up and doing in spiritual matters you will discover that holiness is within the reach of every child of God.
MEMORIZE:
EPHESIANS 4:32 –And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgivining one
another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
