The world pursues happiness. Christians pursue holiness. Sanctification is a purification process where Gods Word shines the light into our hearts and finds all sorts of hidden problems and hurtful truths. The Bible says that Gods Word sanctifies us. Many times, sanctification is painful and complicated and difficult. Meanwhile, all of our fleshly and worldly instincts tell us to avoid the confrontation. Our worldly side doesnt want to strike pride with a sharp knife. Our worldly side doesnt want to admit guilt and face real struggles. Many times, the truth hurts. Its circumcision of the heart, and just as painful as actual circumcision. No wonder people avoid reading the Bible and embracing the truth. No wonder we react wildly and irrationally when others poke and prod around our hearts - it hurts. Thats why so many people blow up when you tell them what the Bible says. Its like trying to shove a knife into their heart and cut off the bad parts. Its a surprise circumcision of the heart. The world pursues happiness. Christians pursue holiness. Christians willingly cut off their sin, and invite others to help them cut off the parts they cant see. Christians arent happy if they arent cleansing and purifying their hearts for God, because they truly love Christ. Thats why holiness is a far greater virtue than happiness. Holiness isnt easy. Mature people intentionally strive for holiness, and find happiness in the struggles and the pain of killing sin. Discipline over ones heart is hard to master. Mature people intentionally discipline themselves and force themselves to find happiness in struggling and mortifying sin. The world pursues happiness. Christians pursue holiness. Happiness usually is easy and comfortable and safe and predictable and in many ways gives different kinds of pleasures. It only takes selfishness to pursue happiness. Holiness usually is hard and uncomfortable and dangerous and unpredictable and in many ways gives different kinds of struggles. It takes sacrifice and love to pursue holiness. Its better to be holy than happy, and best to be happy being holy. I believe the joy given to those who are sanctifying is true joy that blossoms from true love.
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 05:54:01 +0000
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