So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.
Mark 6:19-20 (NLT)
REFLECT: Despite holding a vastly different moral standard, Herod revered John because he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. John’s commitment to speaking and living in truth made an impact on a king not accustomed to having his way of life challenged.
Our lives should be lived in a way so that the people we encounter have no doubt that we are shaped by the Gospel. We are called to reflect the righteousness and holiness that come from a relationship with God through our words and actions.
Like John, we may face opposition and skepticism, but if we will have an impact on people if we stay committed to truth.
Faith and works are bound up in the same bundle. He that obeys God trusts God; and he that trusts God obeys God. He that is without faith is without works; and he that is without works is without faith. - Charles Spurgeon
PRAY: Heavenly Father, help us to live with conviction and clarity, so that our lives leave no doubt about the truth of Your Gospel. May our lives reflect Your righteousness and holiness, so that others are drawn to you. Amen.
PRACTICE: Think about the past week and whether your actions reflect the righteousness and holiness of God. Give yourself grace but make changes necessary to live true to your faith.
Strive for holiness today.
God bless,
Dave