QUICK STEPSಮಾದರಿ

SLOW STEPS TO HOLINESS

Over the past few days, we examined the ways that our quick-natured characteristics may trip us in our walk with the Lord. By his grace, I am learning to react slower and listen longer every day. The process often challenges me beyond my natural abilities. But I keep the goal of holiness in mind when I meet Peter at the end of his life.

When I read 1 Peter 1, I can hardly believe that it is the same person we related to so well over the past week. And I suspect there were no quick steps involved in his journey towards holiness. His “call to holy living” shows a much more mature Peter. “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control… Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (v. 13-15, NLT).

We all know better today than we did yesterday. Cleaning up yesterday’s hasty words, judgments, and conclusions shouldn’t leave us disheartened; it should encourage us. In Peter’s words: “The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:8, NLT)

Are there any areas in your life where you need to slow down your responses and decisions? What would your life look like if you started taking time to build a holy life in Christ?

Let us take time to look for God’s wisdom in every step we take. And let us trust Him to slow down our steps as we grow in holiness according to his will. “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with you. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe” (Proverbs 2:10-11, NLT).