Work on Your Own Halo!

“Watch out, Susie's halo is casting a glow!” This is the comment made by “Joe” when Martha called on the speaker phone. So the background story was explained to Martha that a friend had called Susie a saint because he appreciates her tenacity in prayer and loyalty in relationships. And Joe was having fun teasing Susie. But then Martha said to Joe, “Work on your own halo”!

How often do we look at another person and say within ourselves, “I can never be as good as she/he is?” Why isn't God as evident to me as He is to her/him?” Or do we say, “It isn't possible to live a holy life here on earth?” Maybe we even admit that we don't want to pay the price for that level of devotion to God? Or maybe our feelings are buried under anti depressive medication, . . . or we are walking wounded and fearful of opening up to God?

One of life's greatest pitfalls is comparison. II Peter 1:1-4 has rich truth for us that puts us all on the same foundation. What we do with these truths is up to us. It is not for us to compare our spiritual journey with another person's journey. It is for us to pursue godliness and holiness between ourselves and God. It is “according to the divine power He has given us, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them we may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”

In II Peter 1:10, the Bible tells us “Therefore brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail.” This says to me that we need to be sure we have been washed by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), that our sins are forgiven and that we are living a life pleasing to God. Our goal is life and Godliness. Our source is divine power! Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”

Once you are a member of the family of God, it is essential to grow.

II Peter 1:5-9 tells us to . ..“Make every effort to:

supplement your faith with virtue – (moral excellence or fortitude)

and virtue with knowledge - (information and understanding)

and knowledge with self-control (discipline, restraint)

and self-control with steadfastness (patience)

and steadfastness with godliness (holiness

and godliness with brotherly affection (affection)

and brotherly affection with love. (intimacy)

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”

Peter is saying NOW IT IS YOUR TURN! God has given us all the necessary spiritual resources but now we are responsible to use them. We need to reach into the resources of almighty God, and draw upon His power and the ONE who is my sufficiency, and apply ourselves to the pursuit of the development of His character in every aspect of my life. (Gil Rugh paraphrase)

“Christians who float never stay in the same place.”

Are you stuck in a rut? Are you afraid to take that first step into a life that is unique for you as you search for your identity in Christ? It can begin with a single step in God's direction. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” Simply whisper a prayer to God, “I need you.” or “I want to feel your presence.” or “Help me, God.” And He will hear you and come closer to you as you move closer to Him. This happens as you cultivate a life of godliness.   I Timothy 6:11-12, “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

So don't get in the trap of comparing yourself to others. My walk in the Lord may be different from yours, but we are all “pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 Confirm that you are actually a born again Christian, having accepted the gift of salvation. And then cultivate a life of godliness as you enjoy a relationship with your Savior, Jesus Christ.

Work on your own halo!