2 Corinthians 7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1 - Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

God has promised us so much. He Loves us and wants the best for us. We are His children and He will do whatever He can to help us succeed, but we must make the choice to receive the help. As parents we understand that there comes a point in every child’s life when they have to start making their own decisions. We still want to help them, but now it becomes their choice whether they will receive that help.
Often times we are too stubborn. We get to a certain point and we feel like we need to ‘make it’ on our own. Even if we are struggling we find ourselves refusing help when we really need it. Too often that is how it becomes with us and God. We feel like we need to achieve righteous living on our own. In our struggle to do things on our own we inevitably fail and end up falling back into sin.
This verse speaks of us purifying ourselves from everything that contaminates us. If we want to live right with God this is something we must do. We make the mistake, however, in thinking that we can do this in our own ability. It is only with God, through Jesus, that we can achieve this.
Just like our kids have a choice, we also have a choice to make.  God wants to help you, but He will not force you to live for Him. You must surrender yourself to Him and allow Him to work through you to perfect holiness in your life.