A Holy Appearance

In his letter to the Thessalonians Paul comes with the absolute, total, one hundred percent calling of the child of God. We noted the last three days that he speaks of rejoicing evermore, of praying without ceasing, and of giving thanks to God in everything. "Evermore," "without ceasing," and "in everything" presents to us an awesome truth.

Never, no never, may we say to God, "Yes, pretty soon I will do this that Thou requirest of me." Always we must agree with God. Never must we think that He is wrong or forgot something momentarily. We must always think of Him as God. And in I Thessalonians 5:22 Paul wrote, "Abstain from all appearance of evil."

We are interested in appearing before men as not being evil. We like to create a suitable, if not indeed a pleasing, picture before men as to what we are. But our calling is to be speaking, working, thinking, and willing what is pleasing in God's sight. Adam and Eve failed when they put on fig-leaf aprons, and God showed them that the death and blood of Christ is the only way for us to appear before Him as not being evil.

In our hearts and minds and souls as well as in our bodies must there be that which is pleasing in God's sight. As Peter wrote in I Peter 1:16 , God says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." There is our calling in everything that we do with mind, will, and strength.

We must be concerned with what God sees, for He is God, and we can hide nothing from Him. Every effort on our part to hide our sins adds to the number of them, and calls for deeper punishment.

Once again, pray without ceasing. Pray for more ability to walk in a way that is pleasing in God's sight. Walk before the holy God in a way that reveals holiness in you. Then you have proof of being a child that He has chosen, and whose sins He has blotted out by His Son. And then you will have deeper reason for giving Him thanks.

Read: James 1:16-27

Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Isaiah 57:15-21; Isaiah 58; Isaiah 59:1-21 
Philippians 1:1-26 
Psalm 71:1-24 
Proverbs 24:9-10
****

Quote for Reflection:

"… the reason why God deals with such liberality towards us is, that we may be led to celebrate his praise; but at the same time he condemns our inconstancy, which hurries us away to any other object rather than to God."  -- John Calvin