To be separated from God is to be a sinner. To be separated unto God is to be holy. Jesus is Holy. He does nothing apart from the Father. He and His Father are one. As a man, He carried out, not His own will, but the will of His heavenly Father. He loved His Father with all His heart, mind, soul, and strength. He was not His own. When He was betrayed, He sought to honor His Father. He was not His own. When He made plans, He sought to honor his Father. He was not His own. When He was persecuted, He sought to honor His Father. He was not His own. When He was in the presence of those with differing beliefs, He sought to honor His Father. He was not His own. When He was being crucified, He sought to honor His father. He was not His own. At all times during His earthly life, including under the most difficult duress, He sought only to honor His Father. He offered His life to His Father in love. He was and is and will always be Holy.

We were created to be conformed into the image of the Son. God’s plan is to make us Holy. He wants this because He desires to dwell in our presence. He wants us to see Him. In Hebrews 12:14 it is written:

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Are you pursuing holiness? If you are not, it will not pursue you. How much of you have you given to the Father? What is still your own? ALL is a really big little word. Do you love Him with ALL your heart, mind, soul, and strength? To be saved from sin is to be purchased for holiness. Do you entrust all to the one who paid it all for you to pursue holiness and dwell in God’s presence? Is Jesus now Lord?

There is no more faithful response to God’s love than for us in our weakness to pursue holiness in His strength. In response to His love, may we present our lives as living sacrifices to be conformed into His image. We cannot be whole separate from Him. At all times, including under the most difficult duress, may we seek first His kingdom, His honor. May we be crucified with Christ. May we not be our own. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” - John 14:23

In Christ alone,

—Roger Garrison

*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.