[23] let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. [24] and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, [25] not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. [hebrews 10:23-25]
what stirs your heart to live IN the person and work of Christ and FOR the person and work of Christ?
what stirs those things, what compels those things in you and through you? think on that. what does God do to stir you to “hold fast” to the promises of God in Christ? what does God use to cause you to anchor deeper into the work of Jesus and all that he gives you in him? what does God use to move you to love and serve others?
in this passage, God tells us to “hold fast the confession of our faith without wavering.” this is a clear call to anchor in the works of Christ but it is also a clear call to holiness. to hold fast” – is a call to live in Christ’s life and work but it is also a call to live out Christ’s life and work. said in another way. because you are holy in Christ, live out his holiness. but why does he call us to this?
one of the reasons is right here in this passage – “to stir up one another to love and good works.” one of the big reasons God calls us to holiness is to be a part of his body that is constantly stirring one another to “love and good works”. when we are not living out his holiness – we are not even “considering” this as verse 24 says.
pastor marc made this statement wednesday night, “followers of Christ have the greatest impact on the world when they look the least like the world.” God is calling you to holiness for his glory and to impact others.
two prayer directives for today:
- ask God for a deep passion to pursue holiness. to live out who you are in Christ. to live out his love and truth in and through every aspect of your life. be bold in this prayer today.
- ask God for his holiness to move you toward others – to stir them to “love and good works.” may his holy life move you to reach out, pray, encourage, and even exhort others to live in Christ and for Christ today.
~ john ryan