Mensa Otabil - Pursue Peace and Holiness
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We’ve been considering the fact that the Christian life is a race; it’s something we actively pursue. When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we make a commitment, and that’s a significant commitment. However, the Christian life does not end at merely the commitment level. When Christ becomes our Lord, we must then run the race and pursue the path that God has set before us.
That’s what Hebrews chapter 12, verses 14 and 15, talks аbout: «Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord, looking carefully lest anyone falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.» In life, we typically achieve the things we pursue. When you pursue material things, you will attain material things. If you pursue spiritual things, you’ll achieve spiritual things. Therefore, the things we chase after-the things we pursue-become our life’s accomplishments.
The Bible tells us what we should pursue as Christians. Firstly, it says we must pursue peace, which means that when we become Christians, maintaining peace and living in harmony with people becomes very important. All Christians recognize that walking in love is a hallmark of our Christian faith. When we know Jesus as Lord, we must walk in love. Sadly, many of us struggle to do this, even with people in our church and within our families. Sometimes we allow bitterness to infiltrate our relationships, and that bitterness poisons all our connections. Thus, the passage advises us to pursue peace and be careful not to let bitterness take root in our lives.
As a Christian committed to the Lord, pursue peace. Treat it like a race; see it as something you must endeavor and work hard to achieve. Having peace with others is not always easy, but it is achievable. The Christian life commands us to pursue peace with people. Additionally, we must also pursue holiness. This means living a life that aligns with God’s will. It does not mean adopting a holier-than-thou attitude. There are Christians who bear a chip on their shoulder, believing they are superior to everyone else, viewing others as rotten sinners. They accuse, condemn, and impose guilt on others. That’s not true holiness. Pursuing holiness is not about being against others; it’s about ourselves. We must each pursue holiness, which simply means living the life that God desires for us.
The Bible tells us that when we pursue holiness, we will see God and experience His power. There are countless times when we desire God to answer our prayers, to see His supernatural power, His goodness, and experience miracles in our lives. The Bible tells us that if we pursue holiness, we will see God; if we do not pursue holiness, we will not see God. This does not mean that God is absent from our lives or that we are not Christians. It means we lack the manifestation of His grace, power, and glory in our lives. If we want to see spiritual manifestations and the power of God, Scripture urges us to pursue holiness. We must separate ourselves from what is unholy and dedicate our lives to the service of the Lord.
Every day, we must remember that as Christians, we belong to God; we do not belong to ourselves. We live for Him and honor Him with our choices and decisions. As we do this, we witness His work and power in our lives; we see His goodness in our lives. Therefore, as you run the Christian race, focus on two pursuits: pursue peace and pursue holiness.
Let us pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, you have called me to peace and holiness. Help me to exhibit Your glory in my life. In Jesus' name, amen and amen.» I will see you again tomorrow. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.