BIBLE LESSON

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

— Hebrews 12:14 Some people “Go along to get along;” they conform to pressures from culture, society, those nearest to them, or those they want to impress. Going along to get along is not the same as making every effort to live in peace with everyone, especially when going along involves turning from God. Holiness is the biblical standard of behavior that God expects from everyone. Therefore, we must not sacrifice holiness to get along with someone or “to keep the peace.” Holiness of life and thought can be the only basis for everlasting peace, especially if we want to see the Lord. The Apostle Paul wrote: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). We might say, “If it is possible for you to remain holy in word and deed and it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul also wrote: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (or ‘to build each other up’)” (Romans 14:19). Only holiness by word and example can truly edify someone or build someone up. The Apostle Peter wrote: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). Jesus Christ is holy and He expects those He calls to be His followers to go along and get along with God, “to be holy.” He is the way to everlasting peace with God, peace with thousands upon thousands of holy angels, and peace with the spirits of the righteous made perfect in heaven (see Hebrews 12:22-24).