Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”   (Hebrews 12:14) 

When things begin to go wrong in your life, when it seems that the foundations are breaking, when the pressure seems unbearable, it's easy to lose our perspective. This may have been the case with these Christians. The early part of the chapter refers to the discipline of the Lord. Such discipline may have come in the form of some kind of persecution. Thus, words of encouragement follow. 

During times of such duress, it is easy to point the finger at others and play the blame game. This disposition promotes persistent grudges and quarreling. To guard against such differences, God counsels these disciples to pursue peace with one another.

Peace is essential to spiritual progress and usefulness. In times of suffering, disciples need to join arms and face the enemy together. Our brother needs to be edified (Romans 14:19) and encouraged. This best happens in an environment of unity and harmony.

In addition to peace, the saints are called to holiness. Holiness is a state of being separated unto God. The state of holiness is a lifestyle that proceeds from a pure heart, a heart fully devoted to God. Given the context, holiness would also include peaceful inclinations towards the brethren.

We must pursue holiness by developing a more intimate relationship with God. Such glimpses of God’s purity will provoke us to move more closely to his image. This is accomplished by prayer and meditation of God's word. By diligent effort and constant attention to these things, we become more the people God wants us to be.

The writer then adds a warning: "without which no one will see the Lord.”  We must never lose the loving favor of God. We must stay on the path of spiritual courage and growth. One day heaven will open and we will see God.

By George Slover

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  (Colossians 1:10)

Just as Paul prayed for disciples everywhere, he also prayed for the brethren at Colossae. These prayers supply us with valuable insight into what our aim should be in our relationship with God. In this context. the apostle is praying for the disciples to walk worthily of the Lord.

Walking worthily of the Lord is not a walk of merit, for we are unprofitable servants. It is a walk of respect for the dignity of our calling. By God’s grace, we have been elevated to the high and lofty state of being God’s children.

This walk calls upon us to please Christ in all things. A conduct that is worthy of Christ will seek to please him in all areas of our life, and at all times. Seeking the approval of man is inconsistent with seeking the approval of the Lord.

Bearing fruit for God is the proof of one’s faith (James 2:18), and is the natural result of the seed of God's word planted in one's heart. It stems from a desire to benefit others (Galatians 6:10). Its ultimate aim is the glory of God. (Matthew 5:16) 

Is it by increasing in the knowledge of God that we bear fruit, or is it by bearing fruit that we are increasing in the knowledge of God? I think both are possible interpretations here. Certainly serving others is a learning process that teaches us important lessons of patience, forbearance, and kindness. There is no substitute for experience, and by such experience, we're brought closer to God.

High moral principles must constantly characterize God’s blood-bought people. We must promote the goodness of God in an evil world. Are you walking worthily of your calling this week?

By George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10,11)

Joshua, the great leader of Israel, is addressing the nation. The mission has been accomplished, and Canaan has been conquered. Before retiring, Joshua delivers his final charge to the nation. It is full of encouragement, warnings about the future, and reminders of the past.

God has already delivered the enemy into their hands, and he will continue to do so. Even today God's people have adversaries, but victory is assured. Even when it looks like the odds are against us, God is at our side fighting for us. He strengthens us through prayer and directs us with his marvelous word.

Connected with this promise, is an admonition: “take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God”.  A perfect love of God involves a  strong relationship with him. It is manifested in our delight of his law, our implicit trust, our yielding obedience, and our longing for his presence.

Why would Israel need such a reminder? Simple. Israel's past was not always pretty. Through the wilderness wanderings, there was a yearning to go back to Egypt. Throughout their journey, there were times when Israel lapsed licentiousness and idolatry. It is still easy for God’s people to look back and be tempted by their past sinful life. Thus, we need to “take heed”!

In addition to the past influences, there are current challenges. There are times when God’s demands seem unreasonable and painful. We live in a world where our peers are self-serving. These temptations may blind us from the heavenly vision.

But scripture encourages us to devise a plan and press on. Too much is at stake if we fail. God could withdraw his help, and we could miss the home God has prepared for us. Thus, we must frequently meditate on God's wonderful character and the blessings that he offers.

God is still calling his people to be a holy people, separated from the world.  He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover  

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net