Perfecting Holiness

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Co 7:1

The promise for which Paul was speaking was the promise that God will be a Father to us and we will be His sons and daughters. In light of this promise we cannot come to Him without pursuing a pure heart out of reverence and respect for who He is and the holiness for which He is made.

The definition for contaminate is to pollute, taint, and infect. Usually contamination begins in one small section and quickly spreads when avoided or neglected. This will become the condition of our heart if we do not take appropriate steps in locating the pollutants and removing it immediately.

Some common and widely accepted contaminates are bitterness, anger, resentment and tearing others down. I have been as guilty of this as another but the closer I get to God the more He reveals the infected areas that need healing. Perfecting holiness is turning away from everything that does not exemplify Christ and making our appeal to the world of His love for all who love Him. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Co 5:20

Father, please help me to perfect instead of infect through my relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ. In Your Holy Name, Amen.