I love sports. Growing up my favorite sports to play were basketball and baseball. While I wanted to play both sports in high school, the expectations and reputations for the two teams could not have been more different.
LaPorte Basketball consistently finished near the bottom of our conference standings. When we entered the gym, we usually were just hoping not to get embarrassed.
LaPorte Baseball, on the other hand, had established itself as an elite program (8 state championships, 1 national championship). When we stepped onto the field, not only did we expect to win, the other team expected us to win.
Holiness is the call of God upon His people. In Leviticus, we see that to live holy is to live in a way that reflects the character of God. Jesus summarized this holy life with two commands: love God with all that we are and love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:37-39). Yet, as Romans reminds us, despite our best efforts we continually fall short. Sin has marked every human heart since Adam’s disobedience, making it impossible to fully live out the holiness God requires. It became so common to give into sin that we almost expect to lose the battle of temptation before it even starts.
This is where the holiness of Jesus changes everything. Romans 5:12-21 reveals the contrast between Adam’s failure and Jesus’ victory. Through Adam, sin entered the world, spreading to all humanity like a sickness. But Jesus, the perfectly obedient One, did what we could not—He lived a holy life in complete obedience to the Father.
His obedience becomes our righteousness, and His Spirit empowers us to live the life God intended. As we abide in Him, we are transformed from the inside out, enabled to love God and love others in a way that reflects His presence and purity.
Today, rest in the holiness of Jesus. Let His righteousness be your foundation, and let His Spirit lead you in a life well-lived—one marked by love, obedience, and the presence of God.
For reflection:
- What does it mean to you that even before temptation erupts around you, because the Spirit lives in you and Jesus’ righteousness surrounds you, you can declare victory?
by Pastor Jim Caler
Recommended Posts
Clean the House
April 1, 2025
Missing the Point
March 30, 2025
Jesus, The Holy Obedient One
March 29, 2025