Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard".. "do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
This passage of scripture teaches us that if we desire to do holiness, we will need to think holiness, by habitually choosing and dwelling on that which is uplifting and pleasing in the sight of God. No one can think evil and do holiness at the same time, for it is a virtual impossibility, and therefore, if we desire to be holy, we will need to make the choices that are commensurate with the teachings of scripture. On of the reasons why Christ came to this earth is so that His perfect example in holy living might be demonstrated to all, in order that we all could have a perfect pattern that each of us may safely follow.
There are many holy men who lived on this planet, and there are many living today, but in their lives can be seen some flaws, some errors, some sins, that can throw the casual beholder off course. That's the reason why God in His wisdom has given to us The Living and written word so that the holiness that is needed to enter the pearly gates, may be accessed by anyone desiring to do so. But we must be aware that for this to be accomplished in us it will take well-directed effort and cooperation on our part, and in conjunction with the enabling power of The Holy Ghost. The mind must be habituated to dwell on lofty and holy themes in order for us to think and do holiness in our daily experiences, for there is no other way that it can be achieved. Let's read:
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
One of the benefits of thinking on Christ's holiness, is that it gives us an active reference point on which to base all of our decisions, especially in times when temptations come knocking on our door. Many Christians desire to be holy but do not spend the necessary time with The Living or the written word, and therefore when temptations come along, or when those sinful suggestions are dangled before our eyes, we cower and stumble, because the mighty word of God was not previously stored in our hearts as a bulwark against our arch-enemy. When Christ was tempted in the wilderness, He demonstrated that the active reference of the scriptures was alive and well in His mind, and thus He was able to counter satan's suggestions with "It is written".
And we too as Christians, in our own experiences will find it even more necessary to think holiness throughout the day, by having the perfect pattern in Christ ever before our faces. We should never hit the pause button after doing our morning devotions, because the fact is that the overwhelming bulk of our relationship with God actually takes place during the day, when the rubber meets the road, and the vicissitudes of life try to pull us in different directions. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates the way in which Christ's holiness can envelope our minds, and it is the will of God that we facilitate its fulfillment, by taking the necessary steps to be in tune with God throughout the entire day. let's read:
2nd Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!