“Follow peace with all men, and holiness,
without which no man shall see the Lord:”
Hebrews 12:14
A challenging thought just hit me, “What if no one could see Jesus because of me?” What if my lack of peace and holiness blurred, blocked or blinded others vision? What if they couldn’t see who He was and is? What if they couldn’t see what He did for them? What if they died never knowing He loves them so much that He died for them? What if I’m the only one standing in the way of someone, anyone, you, or all the other “someones,” seeing Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, and our Almighty Creator? What if my life today is hindering people around me from seeing and accepting Jesus as their Savior? Those “what if” thoughts pricked my heart when I read Hebrews 12:14. It opened my eyes to how horrible that reality could be and made me wonder what others may or may not be seeing in me.
It breaks my heart to see so many of us struggling to see peace and holiness in ourselves and others today. I’ve wondered if it could be the result of a world that has become a heavy and dark place, where the light of Jesus is needed more than ever. Sadly, many Christians, including me, who have God’s love and light and could show Jesus to the world, have become so weary and overwhelmed with our own burdens, obligations and endeavors, the lights of our faith are often dimmed.
Responsibility of Following Peace and Holiness
As we see in Hebrews 12:14, our struggles don’t negate our responsibility to show Jesus to others. This verse makes it crystal clear that others ability to see who our Lord is, and what He did, doesn’t just happen on its own. God set up this very specific way for that to happen—through us—our actions, attitudes, and attributes. We have the super big responsibility, as children of God, to help others see Jesus through our obedience in following peace and holiness. This task has a lot of souls depending on our choice to follow or not. Our behavior, as Christians, shows others who Christ is and invites them to know Him too.
Resources for Following Peace and Holiness
Graciously, God doesn’t leave us without the resources needed for following peace and holiness with all men. Our instruction, influence and examples are found in:
- God Himself –
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16 - God’s Holy Word –
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
2 Timothy 3:16 - God’s Holy Son –
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
1 John 2:5-6 - God’s Holy Spirit –
“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”
1 Corinthians 12:3 - God’s Holy People –
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
Hebrews 10:24
No doubt it isn’t easy to “Follow peace with all men.” But, God’s sources for living a holy life make it possible for us to live in peace too. He wants us to give it a shot and try our best to live in peace with everyone we come in contact with.
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you,
live peaceably with all men.”
Romans 12:8
“Let us therefore follow after
the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another.”
Romans 14:19
The world may seem dark at times and our struggles hard to bear. But, we stand a better chance of seeing the light if we focus on Jesus, the light of the world, and live like Him.
Reaching Others by Following Peace and Holiness
We aren’t given the responsibility to follow peace and holiness just for our own good or to please God. We are called to live peaceful and holy lives for the sake of others. Our purpose as believers is to reach others with the Gospel of Christ, and teach them, so they can reach others. Living in peace and holiness helps us accomplish that.
“The aged women likewise,
that they be in behaviour
as becometh holiness…
…teachers of good things.”
Titus 2:3
Our behavior matters. What others see in us matters. What we see in others matters. Who others see in us matters. If we are God’s children, our holiness matters.
“But now being made free from sin,
and become servants to God,
ye have your fruit unto holiness,
and the end everlasting life.”
Romans 6:22
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1
“For God hath not called us
unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
1 Thessalonians 4:7
Although the World can be a dark place today, we don’t have to be part of the darkness. Let’s not make it hard for others to see Jesus. If we have His light in our souls, we have the wonderful resource and opportunity to shine that light so that others can see our Lord. Our acts of living in peace and holiness and showing Jesus to the world are the beautiful God-given solutions for those living in darkness.
BRINGING IT HOME
Can you see Jesus in me and others, if so, how?
Do you think others see Jesus in you, if so, how?
(Come on, don’t leave me hanging, let’s be open and honest with each other and get a conversation started here to help us all grow in grace. No judgement, just encouragement. Let’s shine Jesus’s light brighter together.)
Growing With You,
Smiles, BRC
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