Tim Chester writes:
One of our problems is that we think of holiness as giving up things we enjoy out of a vague sense of obligation. But I'm convinced that holiness is always good news. God calls us to the good life. He's always bigger and better than anything sin offers. The key is to realize why change is good news in your struggles with sin. (9-10)
How about you? Do you see yourself-- your own attitudes and assumptions-- in that first sentence? Can you think of some specific examples in your life?
It's all too true. We enjoy sin, whether it be a grudge or lust. Then we are confronted with the truth of God's opinion of such things, as revealed in his Word. We may admit that we were wrong, even commit to try to do what's right, but deep inside we feel cheated for losing that cherished sinful behavior.
We need a very different perspective and a radical change of heart. We have to not only believe correctly what is right and wrong, but to love what is good and hate what is evil. We have to believe it is true that God's refining work in our life is better than anything else.
Change is uncomfortable and unfamiliar, but when we believe that "holiness is always good news," we can trust him for the change that is necessary. We need to believe in the goodness of God and his gospel-- his characteristic mercy and grace, given in Christ, to stubborn sinners like you and me.
What helps you to remember that holiness really is "always good news"? Are there Scripture passages, songs, personal experiences, etc. that remind and reassure you that this is true?
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