Useful Tools
How, in the world we live in, do we exhibit humility and live in holiness? Do we have the necessary tools?
The Bible says that without Christ we can’t be holy. It also makes clear that even with Him, it will not be a short, easy trip to get there, but it is an expectation God has for His people (Ephesians 1:4). (Tools: faith, salvation, patience and perseverance).
Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” The NKJV says ”Pursue” holiness.
This is not going to be a simple process for people with a sin nature (like you and me). But, we serve a merciful Lord and so He’s given us His Holy Spirit (our most useful tool!) to enable us to strive and pursue holiness. In His grace, He’s left us with His word (a tool on par with the Holy Spirit) to teach us what efforts we need to make to achieve it.
Colossians 3 gives us some instructions on how to use our tools.
The context here is that the Colossians were being exposed to false teachers and Paul is warning them not to be deceived (Colossians 2:4). These teachers were emphasizing angel worship, the observation of special feast days, and asceticism or self-denial. Paul had just told them in chapter 2 that they were not to submit to these rules as they had died to the world and these were worldly ideas (Colossians 2:16-19).
In the last verse of chapter two Paul had given them this warning, “These have, indeed, an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:23).”
How many of us are living in a self-made religion keeping a list of rules? Following these earthly practices of religion were (and remain) futile in growing the knowledge of Christ that Paul was trying to encourage among these believers.
Colossians 3:1 states, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Worldly ideas of holiness make for a worldly religion. Paul said, set your eyes on things above. In other words, do what God says not what man says.
The next verse says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Holiness is death to self and life lived with and for Christ. He is to be our life. We die to ourselves and He is the One who gives life that offers the hope of appearing with Him in glory.
“Appearing with Him in glory” is a sure hope for eternity for the believer in Christ. Regardless of how hard it is to be holy here we have the promise of a future in paradise when we strive for holiness! And, we have all the tools we need to accomplish whatever work God has for us here.
There are many ungodly teachings going on all around us. Will we stay faithful to the One who has saved us and utilize the tools He has given us to grow His kingdom and to accomplish His will as it is accomplished in Heaven?