Devotion 21 July 2026

He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1: 9

READING: Matthew 5: 17-30

God gave the Ten Commandments to His people (Exodus 20) and in Exodus 21 and elsewhere we also find guidelines on how to apply them in various details of everyday matters. But in Matthew 5 and again in chapter 15, we hear Jesus explaining that we should go above and beyond the Biblical laws and live in holiness, according to the spirit of the law.

The word holiness is a very oldfashioned word these days – considering how to live a life of holiness seems an odd concept.

But it is not as out-of-reach or absurd as it sounds. It does not require us to stop being ourselves, just to be the best version of ourselves. Being faithful to our spouse; being the one in the office who refuses to cheat; being the neighbour who acts neighbourly; being the employee who does the work thoroughly; paying our bills; offering our help, etc.

Not speaking one message and living another. Just doing what is right and enjoying our life.

God wishes our lives to be pleasing to Him, and that should be our aim. He also calls us to direct people towards Him and His grace.

If we want to make a difference in the world, we should try to live a holy life.

Paul said – “do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business, and do your own work ... If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

A sincere life leads non-believers to respect believers. What if John the Baptist has preached repentance and lived in immorality? What if Paul had called for holiness and had a reputation for dishonesty? If their lives had not matched their words, their message would have fallen on deaf ears.

So will ours. People are watching the way we act more than they are listening to what we say.

Saint Francis of Assisi once invited a young monk to accompany him to town to preach. In the city, the two walked up and down the streets, chatting with those they met. After some time they made their way back to the monastery. The young monk reminded Francis that their intention had been to go to town to preach, not walk around.

Francis replied, “My son, we have preached. We have been seen by many. Our behaviour was watched, our attitudes were examined, our words overheard. That was the way we preached our morning sermon.”

Perhaps we might enjoy our day with a brighter spirit if we considered that as we move about our daily lives, in the company of Christ, we are not just working, playing and coping, but preaching a sermon to the world!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as I strive to follow You and live according to Your teachings and the guidance of Your Spirit, may my actions direct others to You, in Your name I pray, Amen