In This TogetherSample

Together in Holiness 

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. —Philippians 3:12 (NLT)

Imagine yourself training to run a marathon. You’ve spent countless hours making sure you’re packed with the minimal gear necessary. Your shoes are light, your shorts and athletic shirt are breathable, and you’re only carrying a few energy bars on you.

Now imagine that right before the race begins, someone places a backpack filled with rocks on your shoulders and tells you that you have to finish the race while wearing the pack. 

Sounds pretty difficult, right? 

Every Christian struggles with sin. But if we’re not intentional in acknowledging our sin and bringing it to Christ and others, it becomes just like that imaginary backpack—slowing us down in our race toward Christ. 

God has called us to holiness: “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’” (1 Pet. 1:15-16, NLT). 

Pursuing a life like Jesus, dedicated to God, isn’t a passive one; it’s active. Because sin can easily trip us up, God designed us to live in community with one another — we were meant to pursue holiness through accountability with other believers.

It’s easier to point the finger at someone else’s faults than it is to walk with them as they begin the slow but steady journey toward sanctification—being set apart for God’s purposes. That’s why we’re called to “bear” with one another (Eph. 4:2). 

Togetherness is a catalyst for holiness. Our characters and habits are transformed as we walk together with our eyes set on Jesus. 

Points to Ponder:

• Who in your life has helped you to pursue holiness?
• What does it look like to “bear” with the believers in your community?
• Is there something in your life weighing you down? Take time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the places that need his holiness and provide community to help you.