Think about that for a moment . And regarding poverty , America ’ s poor are 10 times more wealthy than those of undeveloped countries . In most cases , the poor in the U . S . generally have access to medical care , housing support , and other financial assistance programs . And though the U . S . has been involved in several wars overseas , we have not had to face a ground war on our mainland in more than a generation ( not to discount terrorist attacks , most notably that of 9 / 11 ).
The point is that in the Western world , we have been somewhat sheltered from the incessant shaking , horrific persecution , abject poverty and untreated pestilence in much of the world .
But in a world that is shaking , where hopelessness and despair are increasing , and believers are increasingly marginalized , what kind of people are we to be ?
WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ARE WE TO BE ?
Peter addresses the inevitable shaking and answers this question directly , “ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief . On that day the heavens will pass away with a roar , and the elements will melt and disintegrate , and the earth and everything done on it shall be exposed . Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way , what kind of people should you be ? Live your lives in holiness and godliness .” - 2 Peter 3:10-11 TLV
Holiness and godliness . These may seem to be the same things , emphasizing righteous living . But there is a nuance .
Holiness is the state of being consecrated to God . Holiness is separation from the world and the systems of the kingdom of the flesh . Living a life of holiness involves both a pulling away from sin and a drawing toward righteousness in the presence of the Father . This is made possible through the grace empowerment of the blood of Messiah and His atoning work in us .
Godliness is the transformative character that is worked into the pattern of one ’ s life . Godliness is the reflection of God ’ s attributes and nature outwardly to the world . It reengages the world after stepping back from it to pursue holiness . Godliness demonstrates faithfulness , devotion , commitment , and authentic practice .
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 • T I K K U N A M E R I C A R E S T O R E | 0 7