Perfecting Your Holiness, Reverence is the Bottom Line

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

Most importantly, in Christ we are holy and righteous. At the same time, we are being made holy and righteous in Christ. Our faith is being perfected. This does not happen without our participation. We choose what encounters not just our bodies, but our lives and our spirit as well.

We make choices about what we allow to ferment in our hearts and minds. Many images and ideas get put before us everyday. But, we must choose what we will dwell on and interact with. 

The bottom line is reverence for God. If I have reverence for God, there is things I won't do and things I will do. I won't use someone for my own person gain or pleasure, but I will serve others in the Name of Jesus Christ. For me reverence for God is a mixture of fear and respect, humility and gratefulness. 

Reverence: A Good Deal

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. 

Malachi 4:2

I think this is a good deal. I revere God's name. He heals my life. 

What can I do today to revere his name? 

I can read the Bible. I can pray. 

From the book of Malachi I can: 

• remember and thank God that he has loved me in Christ Jesus.
• be honest in my offerings to God.
• tithe.
• keep my marriage vows. 

These may seem simple, but, sometimes simplicity is the key to success. I find it profound that the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, begins with the reminder that God first loved us. The New Testament will be the demonstration of God first loving us by the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Our response is to revere his name and love as he has loved us.