Be What You Are!

We probably all have some specific goals (both temporal and spiritual) we are striving toward. Perhaps we are even living with eager anticipation of what we might become. But are there times when we are actually less than what we are?

Paul, in the opening of his letter to the church at Corinth, made the following statement regarding the Christians there.
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those SANCTIFIED in Christ Jesus, CALLED TO BE SAINTS together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:” ( 1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV)

The Greek translated “saints” here could be literally translated “HOLY ONES” and the word translated “sanctified” is linked to the same Greek root. However, reading through Paul’s letter it does not take long to find out not all of the actions of the brethren at Corinth were HOLY. Among the inner challenges of the Corinthian church we find such things as divisions (chapters 1 & 3), tolerance of sin in their midst (chapter 5), lawsuits among brethren (chapter 6), and even a seeming lack of love (chapter 13). They fell short in many respects. Perhaps we would look at such actions and be ready to remark, “That ain’t no saint!” However, the tense of the word “sanctified” which Paul used could be most literally translated here, “HAVING BEEN MADE HOLY”. In Christ, this is what Paul said they were --
HOLY! He therefore wrote to exhort and rebuke them to conduct their lives in the HOLINESS that they received when they became a new creation in Christ. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Those of us who are children of God -- having put on Christ in baptism ( Galatians 3:26-27) -- are we not also then HOLY? We have been called by a HOLY God to live HOLY lives. We are to be HOLY! In Christ, HOLY is what we have become! However, that doesn’t mean we become complacent and feel we need not grow. HOLINESS must remain the focus and perfection in Christ the goal.

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul exhorted…
“(14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (16) Only LET US HOLD TRUE TO WHAT WE HAVE ATTAINED.” ( Philippians 3:14-16 ESV)

Are we at the least living up to what we already know with regard to what we believe from the Scriptures and how we ought to conduct our lives? Let us continue to strive to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ( 2 Peter 3:18) While acknowledging that in Him we HAVE BEEN MADE HOLY, let us diligently strive to be exactly what He has made us to be. In this way our Lord will be glorified and the wisdom of God’s Will can be seen by those around us.

Have a great day BEING GOD’S NEW CREATION!
Carl
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PERSONAL NOTE:
Yesterday's focus was sent early and today's is late because I have spent the last couple days with my father who just began chemo treatments. He has been diagnosed to have two inoperable tumors in his esophagus. I was glad to be able to be with my father during his treatment and remain with him following to make sure things continued well. His faith is good and so are his spirits. He returns for his next treatment in three weeks. (My mother has spent most of this week in Seattle, WA with my older brother who has been undergoing some monitoring at a hospital there).

Then this morning my wife called my at my parents' home to let me know that our daughter in Oregon who was expecting the end of July, had gone into the hospital because of her blood pressure and she has Toximia. My wife went to be with her. They were going to induce labor because of the condition. At 8:05 a.m. Jeremiah Tate Edgemon came into this world via C-section. He weighed 3 lbs, 12 oz. and is 16 and 1/4 inches long. Both our daughter and new grandson are doing as well as expected. Jeremiah is breathing on his own, but will be monitored closely. He will be in ICU for at least 3-4 weeks before ocming home.
Your prayers on behalf of my father, our daughter, and our new grandson, as well as my older brother and each of the families are much appreciated. Our God is good!
Carl

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