“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV).
When someone who is not usually “dressy” dons a suit & tie or a nice dress, we say that they “clean up nice.” A shave and a haircut, or a beauty shop cut and makeup, can really give us a completely different impression of a person.
We really didn’t make all that great of a first impression. Sure, our parents were excited, but we came into this world sinners. We were natural-born sinners. We weren’t very good at sinning right off the bat, but we were sinners nonetheless. And it didn’t take us too long to catch on. Refusing to eat some foods, disobedient, throwing temper tantrums. We didn’t need anyone to teach us; it was ingrained in us from the start.
Then came Jesus. There was finally someone who could provide the salvation we so desperately needed. We were not only granted heavenly amnesty, but also Heaven’s citizenship.
The best part is that we didn’t earn any of it. It was given to us when we didn’t, in any way, deserve it!
God was faithful to Himself and to His Word. He promised that He would dwell with us. We would be His people, and He would be our God. He adopted us as sons and daughters! (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
Since we have those promises, because He is faithful to His Word, we commit to becoming like Him. We set aside the things which may be pleasant at the time but are not fruitful. We set aside self and look toward meeting the needs of others, be they physical needs or spiritual needs.
We do these things not to be saved, but because we are saved. We do them because we have faith and reverence for God. That faith and reverence compel us to cleanse our lives, body, soul and spirit. They provoke us to holiness!
Blessings on your week! Go in the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).
Skipping Stones 
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