There is a sense in which the Christian's life on earth is a dress rehearsal for heaven. Not in terms of costumes and theatrics, but in terms of worship and devotion to the One we will worship for all eternity - the Lamb who sits on the throne of heaven.

It's true the Holy Spirit alone can reproduce the character of our Lord Jesus, and we must always abide in Christ. But the Bible also makes us active partners in the process, and we must be diligent to do our part. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed".

Our fleshly nature tempts us to put ourselves above others or seek a position or place for ourselves instead of allowing others to have it.

The vinedresser is never nearer the branches then when he is pruning them.

Once we begin chasing approval, we never stop running. It's servitude to a thousand masters instead of one to please.

If your mind is filled with the Word of God, then it can't be filled with impure thoughts.

We can be encouraged knowing that our daily actions and words are declaring Christ to the world.