July 16
The Pursuit
of Holiness
Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Daily Steps
The goal of God's correction and discipline (Day 197) is not simply behavior modification, but total spiritual transformation. This verse provides the new believer with the essential, dual pursuit that secures life's highest purpose: the unwavering pursuit of peace with everyone and holiness.
The peace in this pursuit is found in its necessity:
The Effort for Relationship: We are commanded to "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone." This re-emphasizes the priority of relational peace, often called unity or mutual edification (Day 165). This is the external demonstration of Christ's work in your life.
The Pursuit of Purity: We must also "be holy." Holiness is the state of being set apart from sin and consecrated to God. While only God is perfectly holy, we must make every effort to reflect His purity, as this is the goal of all divine discipline.
The Necessity of Holiness: The reason for the pursuit is absolute: "without holiness no one will see the Lord." This is not a statement about earning salvation, but about the necessity of transformation. Only those who have been purified and made holy through Christ will enter God's presence. This truth anchors your life purpose and secures profound peace.
Your peace in suffering is secured by focused effort. Embrace God's discipline as the means to holiness, knowing that this dual pursuit of peace and purity is essential for your ultimate, eternal joy.
Reflective Question
Is there an area of your life (e.g., thought life, entertainment, speech) where you have not been making every effort to be holy? How can you purposefully submit that area to God's discipline today, knowing that without holiness no one will see the Lord?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my inconsistent efforts in pursuing Your truth. I pray for the strength to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.
Thank You for the discipline that guides me. Secure my peace today in the knowledge that Your goal is my holiness and that I will one day see the Lord. Amen.
