Read: 

1 John 3:9 “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.”

Think: 

There’s a serious battle underway—one that demands our attention. Every day, perhaps every hour or minute, we confront choices—choices between right and wrong, known and unknown. Some sins are active (commission), others are passive (omission). From seeking comfort to straying from God's path, from greed to distractions that distance us from his work, the list is extensive. Often, we pursue these without realizing they pull us away from God. It's almost as if we’re drifting through life, choosing the path of least resistance. 

But consider this: When our hearts are attuned to God, when our earnest desire is to honor him, we veer away from practices that tarnish that relationship. Loving Jesus means steering clear of actions misaligned with his teachings. It’s like hitting the gym—not always enjoyable but undeniably beneficial. Short-term discomfort often paves the way for long-term benefits in our choices. 

This isn't a behavior issue; it is an affection issue. Where do our deepest affections truly reside? Are we more drawn to our comfort and desires, or do we hold a profound love for Jesus—the one who made the ultimate sacrifice and promises us a heavenly home? It all boils down to what we treasure most, what we genuinely invest in. 

You see, aiming solely for behavior modification misses the mark. Our actions reflect our affections. When our focus, our deepest longings, are fixed on Jesus, our conduct and desires naturally follow suit. Pursuing holiness isn’t a set of restrictive rules; it’s an open invitation to align our hearts and lives with him. 

Apply: 

Assess where your affections and priorities lie. Is it comfort and personal desires, or do you genuinely prioritize Jesus and his Kingdom? Are you prioritizing his bride, the church, by serving, tithing, and attending faithfully? 

Pray: 

Father, as we strive for holiness, grant us the courage to steer away from actions that distance us from you. Help us see holiness, not as a set of rules, but as a profound journey of aligning our hearts with yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.