Photo by Bruno van der Kraan
By Mike Chaffin
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9
One of the best feelings is when we get it. It’s called a light bulb moment.
Jesus came into the world to shed light on the way to God. Since He is the way to God, we cannot find our way to Heaven without the light Jesus gives us when He fills us with His Holy Spirit. How we do this is called growing in maturity, also known as the process of sanctification.
Sanctification is being set apart for the purpose of making us holy. 1 Peter 1 gives us an idea of the underlying principle.
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:13-19
Another helpful section on holiness is the 19th Chapter of Leviticus, where among other suggestions on how to live, and be holy, we are instructed, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The Bible interprets itself. Jesus summed up all the law and prophets with two commandments. To love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and body, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If we think about these two commands before we speak or act our sanctification and holiness will grow exponentially.
The light of Jesus fills our sanctified lives so we shine for Him. That’s living.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray you light my path each day to help me see the temptation lurking in the shadows. Help me stay out of the shadows. In Jesus’ name, amen.
* There is a website that conducted a search for Bible verses. They compiled a list of the verses in order of the magnitude of hits they got in their search. Some of these verses qualify as ‘people’s favorites’, while others might be on the list because they are some of the most important and most teachable words of God.
