God does not give vague suggestions. He only gives loving commands.

For Our Families:

“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church…”  — Ephesians 5:25

“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands…”  — Ephesians 5:22

“Children, obey your parents…”  — Ephesians 6:1

For Ourselves:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart…”  — Matthew 22:37

“Love your neighbor as yourself…”  — Matthew 22:39

“Bless those who curse you…”  — Matthew 5:44

“Forgive as Christ has forgiven you…”  — Colossians 3:13

For Our World:

“Go into all the world and share the gospel…”  — Mark 16:15

“Go and make disciples…”  — Matthew 28:19

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…”  — Romans 12:2

“Don’t lay up treasures on earth… but lay up treasures in heaven…”  — Matthew 6:19–20

“Be filled with the Spirit…”  — Ephesians 5:18

For God:

“Be holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

“It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.” 2 Peter 2:21 NLT

Here’s the good news!

In Christ, we are 100% holy, justified, and forgiven!

God sees us as His bride, clothed in the white wedding dress of His righteousness. He has chosen to forgive and forget our sins against Him. We stand clean before Him!

But how awful would it be if the bride was spilling food and drink on her dress, not caring how she looked as she marched down the aisle on her wedding day?

So God gave us this simple command: Be holy. Keep your dress white and clean.

So How Do I Live This Out in a Sinful World?

I listen to the Holy Spirit. He lives in me, and I invite Him daily to rule my thoughts, protect me from unholy living, and lead me into truth.

And when I mess up, I quickly clean up through His forgiveness and grace. I daily depend upon Him, choosing to cling to His holiness, which now works in me.