Holy Rolling Toward Holiness

“I think I can; I think I can” is a famous motto from the classic children’s book The Little Engine that Could. As you recall, the story is about a little engine that has the opportunity to pull a long train over a high mountain. Despite his limited size and power, he begins to pull the train anyway while repeatedly saying, “I think I can.” His optimistic belief and unwavering bravery led him to successfully climb over the mountain. He thought he could, and then he did! Many people approach the Christian faith with that can-do attitude, but that’s not at all how the Christian life works, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). And “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This is good news for those of us who want to become more and more like Christ in His holy character and conduct and showcase the Spirit’s transformative power to others around us. You can only reach Holy Fruitopia (Gal. 5:22-23) by making sure Christ is the holy conductor of your heart (1 Peter 3:15), the Holy Spirit is your enabling power (Galatians 5:16-26), and God’s Word is your Spirit-inspired train tracks (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So, instead of trying to climb the steep hill of God’s holiness with sheer determination and self-reliance, let’s adopt a different motto than the children’s classic preaches. Let’s repeatedly say by faith, “I know God can! I know God can!” God thought we could, and then He did it! Amen (1 Thessalonians 4:23-24)!