To Be Used in the Father's Hands

 

As Christians, we have a call on our lives:

 

"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,

because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 

1 Peter 1:15-16

 

Holiness in a dark world that is getting darker by the day.
Not an easy task for a fallen sinner redeemed by grace alone.
But the Bible doesn't leave us wondering how we are suppose to live holy. 

 

James, the Lord's brother, tells us,

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? 

Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
James 4:4

 

  Paul tells us to "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord."  2 Cor. 6:17

 

There are times when I wonder why God isn't using me the way He used to.
Days go by and all seems scattered, time filled with to-do lists and places to go and things to do.
The day ends, productive enough from the world's point of view yet an emptiness weighs on me.

 

And the Lord faithfully speaks to me in times like this,

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."  Matt. 6:33

 

Being holy means being separate. 

 

Being separate means being different. 

 

Distinguished. 

 

 

Standing out from the haze of the busy world,

 from the blur of the broad road,

 and abiding in the vine, even if you stand alone, 

 

 seeking the face of God, His kingdom and His righteousness.

 

Then, and only then, will we be able to be used in the Father's hands to do His will and His work here on this planet.

 

For without holiness, no one will see the Lord. 

We won't see Him. 

And the world,
which so desperately needs to see Him through us,
won't see Him either.

 

"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord."  2 Cor. 6:17