THE SEVEN PROPENSITIES OF HOLY PEOPLE1 Peter 1:15-16Presentation• There was a book composed in 1989 that had had great success before being published production.• In its pages were tools to help people enjoy a compelling and doable life.• Throughout the book you could discover standards about initiative, life management, and connections.• It fixates on the idea of the "inside-outside" rule.• This rule says that all conduct is acquired, not instinctive. • Old propensities could be eliminated and replaced by new and powerful propensities. • That book, composed by Stephen R. Covey, is “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” • The propensities he described are: Initiative Creativity Productivity Interdependence Empathy Valuing differences Coherence • Let me ask you a question: if you had to describe yourself with one word, what might that word be? • According to Covey, if you displayed these seven propensities in your daily life, you could correctly describe yourself with the single statement: “Effective” • How do the Scriptures want us to characterize ourselves? • I dare say that few, if any, in this place have called themselves "Saints." • As Christians we are called to lead a holy life.• Every believer must seek holiness.• Every Christian must seek virtue.• Every Christian must strive to stay away from sin.• Holiness is not a choice. God lets us know: 1 Peter 1:15-1615 But as he who called you is holy, so be ye holy in all that you do; 16 because it is written: “Be holy, for I am holy.” • As we develop a closer relationship with Christ, we must become more aware of His Holiness. • But in the meantime, the closer we get to Christ, the more we are aware of o... middle of paper... important that the Son of God seeks a position of service. • God did not provide us with spiritual gifts so that we might enjoy possessing them, but rather, so that we might delight in using them • Service to the Body of Christ is a habit with holy people. Conclusion: • If God did not want us to be holy individuals, He would not have taught us to be so. • The truth that He gave the order is a sign that He made it possible. • In pursuing a life of holiness we must create propensities in our lives that are sacred. • Only Christ living in our lives can make holiness a reality in our lives. • He works from the inside out. • The Lord works from the inside out. • Religion works from the outside in. • Religion tries to take people away from sin. • Christ takes away sin from people • Religion shapes human behavior, but Christ changes human behavior.