I’ve never been able to keep a kitchen funnel. My husband always uses my latest purchase to pour oil or gasoline because he can’t find the other pilfered funnels in our cluttered garage.
Why don’t I get one of mine from the garage the next time I need a kitchen funnel? Obviously, it’s because no-one would use a contaminated tool to prepare food.
God has consecrated (set apart) his people to live a life uncontaminated by selfishness, greed, lust, envy, or hate. We can’t clearly reflect his light and love unless we are striving to keep our lives pure in his Spirit's power.
Do we have to be perfect? Of course not; only Jesus Christ lived a sinless life. But if we try to be holy, doesn’t that make us “holier than thou”?
Only if we have the wrong attitude. We aren’t to compare ourselves with others. We must measure ourselves by the only true standard of holiness — God’s. After all, he created us to live for him, not for our selfish desires. “(He) saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9).
If our goal is to please our Creator and seek his will in all that we do, we can live a sanctified life in the Spirit's power, reflecting the holy image of God.
Lord, help me each day to be mindful that you are holy. Fill me with your Spirit so that I reflect your holiness in my words, thoughts, and actions as I seek to live a sanctified life that brings glory to you. Amen.
Go Deeper — What things are you funneling through a contaminated attitude? Will you confess them today and instead draw on God’s mercy in invite him to show you his perfect will instead?
Photo Credit: Suket Dedhia