Think with me for a moment. Who is the person that you would describe as the most "saintly" person you know? This person, it seems, does everything right and shuns evils. It could be a relative, co-worker, member of your church, etc. Take a moment and think before you read any further. Have you got a name? Good.

Now, as good as that person is, hear what Solomon had to say in (Eccl. 7:20), "Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins" (NASV). Amazing, isn’t it? We strive with all of our might to live close to God and yet, the word states, we sin. The New Testament echoes these words in (1 John 1:8), "If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (NASB). Keep in mind that John was not writing to people who do not believe in God but, to the church—the saved.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was no sin in our world? Wouldn’t it be amazing to have everyone love each other and always get along? Yes, but we live in the real world. Satan has attacked and keeps pressing on in our lives to sway us from always doing right. James tells us to, resist the devil and he will flee from you, (James 4:7). Along with that he says to, draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). The person you thought of earlier has learned this lesson. They have resisted the devil and have drawn near to God. Because of that, God has blessed their lives. This person is not perfect, but has learned this great lesson from God’s word. It is a lesson we need to take to heart as all of us need to draw near to God.

Okay, I need to be close to Him, but how do I do that? First, open up the lines of communication. We communicate with God by talking to Him in prayer. We need to have daily contact and, He desires to hear your blessings and problems. And, He won’t tell anyone else your deepest secrets. God communicates with us through His written Word. Since this is true, I need to read what He desires for me to do. I can find in the Word commands to keep. I can find examples to live by. God gave me all of this to let me (and you) know what to do to be with Him one day. These will help us stay close to God. They will not make us perfect, but will help us on our journey. And, as we walk in the light as He is in the light the blood of Jesus will cleanse us (1 John 1:7).