When the priests and Levites had purified themselves
ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall.
    -- Nehemiah 12:30
   
    God has placed each of us in a circle of influence. Before we
try to "clean up" those around us, let's first offer ourselves to
God to be consecrated and to be made pure by his grace. Then, let's
live in a way that shows the impact of that holiness in our lives.
Jesus told us to remove the plank from our own eye before we try to
clean the speck out of someone else's eye. For leaders at any
level, "living holy" is essential before calling others to
holiness! God's greatest times of spiritual renewal begin when
leaders first consecrate themselves to God and his work.

 
   O Father in heaven, forgive me for my sins. I want to be pure
and holy, cleansed by your Spirit and forgiven by your grace.
Please bless me as I seek to live a holy life before those I
influence. I need your powerful help to be the example and person
of character that you want me to be, and that my friends need me to
be. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.