Focal passage: 2 Chronicles 14:1-8
I would likely never make the decision to run in a race. When I was young, my dad said they should track my speed with a calendar.
However, if I made the commitment to run a race, I recognize some significant things would have to change. I would have to exercise to get in shape. I would have to change my diet – no more Nutty Buddy® wafer bars.
I would have to take off my blue jeans and flip flops and put on running shorts and shoes.
King Asa recognized that committing to truly follow after God meant surrendering completely – being “all in.”
There was no room for tolerating idolatry or other sin.
Therefore, he tore down the high places and altars that opened the door to false worship. Truly honoring God required intentional pursuit and action.
Such is the same for us today. While we can only receive salvation and follow God by grace through faith in Christ, we are called to work out our salvation – also by grace through faith – with fear and trembling. Part of the pursuit of godliness is putting off every kind of hindrance that gets in the way of loving God completely and following God obediently.
Thus the writer of Hebrews admonishes his readers, “let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Are you walking by faith and pursuing godliness? If so, what things are you having to tear down? Is social media or television hindering your pursuit of godliness? Will you tear them down? Are you demonstrating a singular worship of God by how you spend your time and money? A life of godliness doesn’t happen accidentally. We must pursue it, even as the Holy Spirit does His work in us, making us look more like Jesus. Will you commit to doing whatever it takes to follow God and to pursue godliness for His glory?