What is it that should make the Christian life distinct? Is it the fact that Christians claim to be the only people that will call Heaven home for eternity? Is it the fact that our Savior, Jesus Christ, claims to be the only way to have peace with God? The answer is yes, but there is more. A real distinction for the Christian life is that we have been called to be holy and blameless before God, the church and the world around us. God has called us to do more than just become Christians and wait for our entry to Heaven.
Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 1:3-4, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." There is a purpose in our salvation. Before the foundation of the world, God desired to have a people that would be holy and blameless as they live their lives before Him. What a remarkable thought! Christians are fulfilling the desire of God as they grow in their love and obedience to Him.
Think for a moment about something that you really wanted. Think about that toy that you wanted all year as a child , and then think about how sweet the moment was when you unwrapped it on Christmas morning. Think about how long you wanted to marry that special someone, and then how wonderful it was to see her coming down the aisle or him waiting in the front of the chapel. Think about how wonderful it is to see a friend that you have been separated from for far too long. There is a joy that is stored up in us that just waits for these moments to be unleashed.
Christians have the wonderful opportunity of bringing that joy to the heart of God. He has given His Son to bring this about and He has given us His Spirit to live this way. That is what Paul means when he says that God has given us "every spiritual blessing". God has given us the ability to do what He desires for us to do. Yes, it requires hard work on our part to turn away from sin and to live for the glory of God, but we can find amazing encouragement and help from God who desires to see us succeed in living holy and blamelessly for His glory and our joy!
Turn from sin today to delight our great Gift-giver!
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