Our culture tells us that we DESERVE to be happy. That we should pursue those things that make us happy and give us pleasure… That isn’t what Jesus did, though and it’s not what the Bible teaches us who follow Christ.
”Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.“ Philippians 2:12-13
The goal for us is to work hard to do what makes God happy. That is the work of our salvation - it’s not about ourselves, it’s about Him!
Holiness is an important pursuit that we’ve lost sight of in the American church. We expect God’s presence to show up when we casually and flippantly worship and praise or pray - He will not be mocked. He is HOLY and when we meet with Him, the ground is holy too…