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highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity,
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Bishop Soc Villegas
25 July 2007
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LIVE PURE
(Part 7)
PERFECTLY
HOLY AND ENTIRELY BLAMELESS
December
11, 2011
Today’s reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
We are called to be holy. We become holy as we live pure.
How do we live pure? “Refrain from every kind of
evil.” (1 Thes 5:22).
Paul prays, “May the God of peace himself make you
perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and
body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” (1 Thes 5:23). To live pure is to be
untainted in everything that we are and do, in our whole
being. As such, to be holy is actually to strive for
Christian perfection. As we grow in perfection, we become
the spotless bride ready to meet the Bridegroom. Thus to
be holy and pure prepares us for the ultimate coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ in glory.
What helps us to live pure?
First, while we know it will be difficult and challenging,
we know that God wills it. And if God wills it, then He
will provide us whatever we need. “The one who calls you
is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.” (1 Thes
5:24). Thus, even as we struggle, we have the confidence
that God is there to help us. We need never give up or
give in. We simply persevere.
Second, the way God guides and forms us is as we are
growing in our personal relationship with Him. This
happens mainly through prayer. We spend time with God. We
listen to Him. We turn over our lives to Him. We trust in
Him. We should live our life such that we are constantly
in touch with Him, with the consciousness that we live for
Him, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Thus
we “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thes 5:17).
Third, one way God helps us is through our brethren. God
speaks through prophets. God guides, counsels and corrects
through others. Often what others say will challenge us
regarding our spiritual condition. We are to be open. We
are to be discerning. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not
despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what
is good.” (1 Thes 5:19-21).
Fourth, knowing that our God is faithful and that He wills
our holiness, we should “in all circumstances give
thanks” (1 Thes 5:18). In all circumstances. Whether we
are up or down. If we know that God is faithful and wills
our holiness, then we can be thankful whatever is
happening to us at the moment. We may not see it, but God
will always use what is happening to move us further to
perfection. In fact, the difficulties and suffering and
pain are what can help purify us and propel us to
holiness.
Finally, with all the above, we can only “rejoice
always.” (1 Thes 5:16). It is joy that is beyond
understanding. It is not just happiness that comes from
good things coming our way, but it is joy that comes from
knowing that we are in Christ, that we are in the best
situation of our lives. It is a state of mind and heart
that acknowledges the great love and plan God has for us,
and His working to accomplish His purpose in preserving us
blameless at His coming.
To be perfectly holy, to be entirely blameless, to pray
without ceasing, to be thankful in all circumstances, to
rejoice always -- that is to live pure.
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