“How do I live a holy life?”

Holiness is a calling to aspire more in your relationship with God in such a way that it will positively impact your relationship with people that surround you. In a manner of speaking, it is a desire to achieve having Jesus’ mind and heart. This is no easy task for a Christian living in the 21st century where society bombards us with all kinds of messages and constantly invites us to engage in over-stimulating experiences as a way to “live life to the fullest.”

I believe holy living in this century is an invitation to find new ways to cultivate our relationship with God through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit in a world that celebrates constant change. The key for holy living is the same as it always has been: to have a personal encounter with God. Such an experience produces a strong testimony in us, something no one can question no matter how much change we have to face, and it sets our feet in the right direction to continue growing spiritually. To dive deeper into how to live a holy life, go to peermag.org/articles/tackling-holiness/.

Captain Luis Merced
Reading, PA

“I’m coming home for Thanksgiving. How do I talk to a family member that doesn’t go to church anymore?”

First, prepare by praying. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and open your eyes to see the family member as God sees them.

I believe your priority is first and foremost to use the opportunity to reconnect with your family member. Listen intently to their perspective and experiences, and maybe discover the reasons for their change of heart towards church/God. Be sure to share your story, your own relationship with God and the support and encouragement you receive from being a part of a church community.

It is important to ensure your family member does not feel attacked or lectured. Regardless of the outcome of your conversation, remember it is God’s grace that calls people to repentance, so trust His timing. I find encouragement from the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:4-7 (CSB): “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Captain Denesia Polusca
Kansas City, MO