The apostle John wrote in his Gospel prologue these words about Jesus:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 NIV).

These words are a simple and clear truth about how we can follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as we live in the midst of a culture that needs transformation.

In recent years, it seems that in some parts of the Body of Christ we can see a kind of polarization taking place. Some believers swing one direction: all about grace, but jettisoning holiness as a value. Some doggedly hold on to certain doctrine and truths, but live with little compassion for others, like themselves, who need the grace of God.

In other blog posts, I’ve called this polarization the “dual forces” in the advance of the gospel. The “dual forces” are presence and holiness. Jesus embodied both of these. Do you?

Which one of the “dual forces” is easier to you? As you consider the particular place you worship, or part of the Body of Christ you are most involved with, do you see a correction needed?