Our calling to follow after Christ is a gift and a privilege. But it is also a life that demands the pursuit of holiness. Jesus, who is our hope, has not called us to follow him and remain the same; his love for us continues as he prunes and sanctifies. The Christian is to take seriously this work, as the unity of the church is greatly affected by our sin. This involves identifying sin patterns, walking in community, and wrestling in prayer with the Holy Spirit as we each seek to put off sin and put on righteousness.