Holiness

What I've come to realize with years of counseling or ministering to people who are asking for advice, is that it's not really the truth many are looking for. What they want is validation for their sin. Even as I give them scriptures and read to them what God has to say about their actions, decisions, or situations, I still hear, "but I've talked it over with God and He said it was ok." God never speaks something to you that is contrary to His Word.

Though I write a lot about God's mercy and grace, I always include repentance. Yes, He's merciful, but He's also Holy and expects us to seek holiness in every area of our lives. He has not changed, sin is still sin and there's no acceptable excuse for it, only sincere repentance will do.

The definition for repentance is: The activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs, which is accompanied by commitment to change for the better.

It's not about finding a way to continue spiritually destructive behavior. It's about repenting, committing to change, seeking God for the way out and the strength to carry it through. That doesn't mean waiting on Him to change us while intentionally sinning, but transformation comes as we continually renew our minds in His Word and spend time with Him until a passion to please Him is ignited and exceeds our desire for sin. Weakness is never eradicated by focusing on it, but it comes as our focus changes to the source of our strength. Though you'll never be perfect, as you begin to chase after God, you'll soon realize you've left the old man and his ways far behind.

1 Peter 1:14-16 (NKJV) as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 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 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Acts 3:19 (NKJV) Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.