Growing In Godliness...Bringing A Big "Want to" To The Situation!

1 Peter 1:14-16 speaks of personal holiness in the life of the Christ follower. While personal holiness is a command from God, let's realize that we need to look to God for help. No Christ follower can succeed in accomplishing personal holiness without the Lord God working in his/her life, but just as surely, no one will achieve personal holiness without effort on his/her own part! In other words, personal holiness is a joint venture between God and the Christ follower! We have to cooperate with God! The Lord has made it possible for the Christ follower to walk in holiness. But, at the same time, we've been given the responsibility of doing the walking! God does not do that for us! Keep in mind that personal holiness is an on-going thing. It's something in which we should be growing in! Personal holiness is growing in God's character. It's obedience to the will of God which conforms us to the character of God. It's something that brings pleasure to the Father God! The late pastor Ray Stedman once told of asking a boy how old he was. Quick as a flash the young fella said, "I'm twelve, going on thirteen, soon to be fourteen!" We can safely say that he was eager to grow up! He had a big "want to!" Most Christ followers want to grow in the Lord, especially when they're new in the faith. But often as time goes on, the enthusiasm to grow begins to wane. We settle into a dull routine and begin to grow spiritually unbothered! Let me say that this is a very dangerous situation. The reason is that the Lord did not save us in order that we may live any way we choose. He saved us to live godly lives! He saved us to live in a way that's completely different from our lifestyle as unbelievers! He saved us so that we would make much about who Jesus is! We will not grow in godliness without deliberate discipline and effort. We must get back to displaying the same attitude as the little boy whom pastor Ray Stedman spoke! God has called every Christ follower to a holy life. There are no exceptions to this call! Your move. Be encouraged!