between happiness and holiness.

The Lord has said: "These people praise me with their words, but they never really think about me. They worship me by repeating rules made up by humans. So once again I will do things that shock and amaze them, and I will destroy the wisdom of those who claim to know and understand.”

Isaiah 29:13-14

have you ever been given advice by a fellow christian that, although makes it common sense, doesn’t feel right in your spirit?

for instance, they sees you in a situation that is painful…maybe a job that is extremely stressful or a relationship that isn’t ideal.  The common sense solution would be to get out as fast as possible and not look back. The world says that happiness should be placed at the top of our priority list, so anything that doesn’t make you happy should be thrown out the window.

along the same line, I think that sometimes I get tempted to associate God’s will with happiness.. so the natural line of thinking would be to assume that if something doesn’t make you happy, it isn’t in God’s will.  the problem with that is that God never said that happiness was the most important thing.. instead of happiness, holiness should be at the top of our priority list. 

and look at what the Bible says about our journey to holiness, the refining process:

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”

James 1:2-3

I think a lot times, we skip over the last part of that verse :) I’m guilty! but isn’t it encouraging to know that even when things are hard, God is using it as part of his plan, to refine us into who he wants us to be? he truly does work all things together for the good of those who trust in Him.

just a thought :) have a great night!