Why we don’t split Christian work 50/50
Pursue Peace & Holiness
===
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 (NET)
===
Hmmm…
A little bit to dig into here.
Pursuing peace is an active, ongoing action for us to make.
We have to decide to do that. And then actually take steps in that direction.
Unfortunately, I’ve been one who decides to do one thing and then doesn’t actually take action. My intention is always there, but the motivation isn’t enough to push me through whatever walls are in my way.
I’m sure I’m not the only one.
More than that, God calls us to pursue holiness.
Again, this is an intention and an ongoing action for us to take.
The big difference here is that we have no hope of actually achieving holiness without the work that Christ did on the cross and the ongoing work the Holy Spirit does in us.
Thus, we have a situation where we are called to work for God and yet are simultaneously completely reliant on God to do the work.
It’s a give and give.
I’ve been told that good marriages are like that:
Both spouses giving 100% — not a 50/50 split.
If true (and I’m confident it is) then it’s yet another picture of the relationship we have with God.
Where both of us give 100%.
(I’m pretty sure we get the better end of that deal! 😂)
Anyway, the condition here at the end of the verse echoes what James teaches in his epistle: show our faith by our works.
A lifelong pursuit, but the reward is worth it.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.