Get it together!

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: - Hebrews 12v12-14

The word of God is so practical. The previous section was full of encouragement and the purpose of chastening. We are reminded that God loves us enough to keep us on the right track. You sense the words of a loving Father sitting His children down and sharing some secrets of why He parents the way He does.

In verse 12 the tone changes. You sense a track and field coach urging his team on. ‘Get those hands up from your side! Pick up those knees! Get moving! Stay on track so you don’t hurt yourself. If you stay on track you will be fine – now get it together.’

Then He reminds of us the great responsibility we have to others. ‘Follow peace with all men – but don’t forget holiness, because without holiness no man can see the Lord.’
God’s word is practical and it is balanced. We balance unity with holiness. There a temptation to sacrifice holiness on the altar of unity. There can also be a temptation to sacrifice unity on the altar of what we consider to be holiness. We can’t sacrifice either. We seek peace, not a fight. We seek unity, not division. But we must never forsake holiness, because that is how people are going to see the Lord.