BARNES on the Bay

We still have a responsibility to live worthy of Him who has redeemed us. To disregard righteous behavior is to be indifferent to the place of God in one’s life. But how does holiness show itself, and what responsibility do we have in pursuing it?   Holiness reveals itself through repentance (2 Timothy 2:9). Holiness is a matter of conforming (Romans 8:29). Holiness is one's everyday lifestyle (1 Peter 1:15-16). Living a holy life requires discipline, commitment, and perseverance, but the reward is a closer relationship with God, a life of purpose and meaning, and the assurance of eternal life with Him. Let us, therefore, heed the call of “Being Like Jesus” and live our lives as a testimony to God’s grace and goodness.

Being like Jesus is also following Him, and such should be considered a privilege because it is a living expression of gratitude for His goodness. And such is our “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). It is also a life of emulating His character through service to others. So, when it comes to following and being like Jesus, we must also render faithful Christian service.  Service in Humility Service in Duty In a spirit of humility and devoted service, we can truly testify of “Being Like Jesus.” Christ sums it up for us this way, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).

Jesus is our example of righteousness through the most difficult of challenges. We are to adopt His nature by kindly and gently tolerating others, even with the ultimate goal of forgiving them for some wrongdoing directed at us. Like Jesus, we must have a longsuffering spirit. A Longsuffering Spirit through Forgiveness A Longsuffering Spirit through Endurance A Longsuffering Spirit through Self-Sacrifice This spirit of longsuffering is not just about having a forgiving heart but about being like Jesus!

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). This devotion considers the importance of being yoked to Christ especially as it concerns being more like Him.

Abortion has been a hotly contested topic for some time, and the end is nowhere in sight. This episode considers recent events that reveal the the battle is about worldviews.  The Subject Matter of the Debate Abortion and the Secular Worldview Abortion and the Biblical Worldview What's Disturbing even Further Concluding Matters Resource materials for this article: https://news.gallup.com/poll/1576/abortion.aspx https://wordandway.org/2023/01/19/clergy-sue-to-challenge-missouri-abortion-ban/

We often assume that holiness is something quite impossible. But really, the opposite is true. A life of holiness can be and is possible and practical.