Recommended Read - The Pursuit of Holiness - Jerry Bridges

Let me start by saying "WOW", what a GREAT book this was. A wonderful follow up from my last read "So, you want to be like Christ?", both which God has used to bring some good change into my life. Not a book I would read through in a day, this is more of a take your time and allow things to process book. It has some very helpful suggestions on how to understand and deal with our sinful nature. Every Christian should take seriously the pursuit of holiness. The Bible tells us that without holiness we will never see the Lord on the other side of this life! We don't become stronger Christians of the faith because we attend a Church, or say a little prayer and once in awhile read a Scripture or two. We become stronger Christians when we pursue holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. The word pursue suggests two thoughts: first, that diligence and effort are required; and second, that it is a lifelong task (pg.11). We can't do it on our own, but God has granted us everything needed to attain a holy life this side of heaven, praise God for that! So go buy this book! You will love it! Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep pursuing holiness!

From page 81:
We need to brace ourselves up and to realize that we are responsible for our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. We need to reckon on the fact that we died to sin's reign, that it no longer has any dominion over us, that God has united us with the risen Christ in all His power, and has given us the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only as we accept our responsibility and appropriate God's provisions will we make any progress in our pursuit of holiness.

He also notes, and I agree that no one can pursue holiness who is not prepared to obey God in every area of his life (pg.136).

And lastly the author notes because we do not have a firm conviction that "without holiness no one will see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14), we do not seriously pursue holiness as a priority in our lives (pg.142).

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16