Daily Devotion

“Thus a Christian, being consecrated by his faith, does good works; but he is not by these works made a more sacred person, or more a Christian. That is the effect of faith alone. … True, then, are these two sayings: "Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works."”

Martin Luther · Concerning Christian Liberty (1520), Project Gutenberg edition

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you be holy.

Reflection

"God's will is for us to be holy." This is not a heavy pressure, but a beautiful and definite direction—God wants us to live in a life of freedom, purity, light, and closeness to Him. Becoming holy is not about forcing myself to be perfect through my own efforts, but about relying on God's grace, the renewal of the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of truth. Many times, I thought God's will was an external arrangement: work, family, opportunities, direction. But this verse reminds me that God cares more about whether my life and character are more like Jesus. Holiness is not isolation, but being set apart for God's use. May I draw closer to Him, obey Him more, and love Him more each day through my choices.