"If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary's love, for a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted." ~Amy Carmichael~
I have been using books written by Jerry Bridges as a teaching series for my adult Sunday School class for the past several years. They are incredible books about holiness and Godliness as a Christian. When I read the quote for today I immediately thought about those teachings and how shallow some Christians are today. It frightens me to think how some folks truly believe they are ready to meet Christ when there lives are no different from those living in the world.
What is holiness and can a Christian truly demonstrate holiness in their life? God absolutely despises sin and the Bible tells us that sin separates us from God. The scripture says, "So be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15). So what part of that do we not understand? God commands each of us to be holy in ALL, which means EVERYTHING that we do. WOW! That scripture immediately calls each of us to a higher level in our walk with Christ.
God is holy. He sets the standards for morality. Unlike the Roman gods, He is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, He is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of His followers. Our holy God expects us to imitate Him by having high moral standards for ourselves. Like Him, we should be both merciful and just, like Him, we should sacrifice ourselves for others.
Every Christian is to pursue holiness. Every Christian is called to live a holy life. Every Christian is to strive to stay away from sin. Holiness is not an option. As Christians there is no exception to this call. This call is not only to pastors, Sunday School teachers, board members or members of a worship team. This call is to every Christian no matter what your age, gender, educational or economic level.
It frustrates me when I hear horror stories of Christians who practice the sin of the world all week and expect to serve in positions in the church on Sunday. We are commanded to step out and be different from the world. Every Christian is called to be holy. Because God is holy, He can never excuse or overlook any sin we commit, however small it may be. The second we compromise for what we categorize as a small sin in our lives, many will soon follow. There isn't a place for compromise in a Christian's life.
Sometimes we try to justify to God some action which our own conscience calls into question. But if we truly grasp the significance of God's perfect holiness, we will readily see we can never justify before Him even the slightest deviation from His perfect will. God does not accept the excuse, "Well, that's just the way I am," or even the more hopeful statement, "Well, I'm still growing in that area of my life." God's holiness does not make allowance for minor flaws or shortcomings in our personal character.
The quote today is so powerful because what is in our hearts will come out of our mouths. If anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, sin, etc. is hiding in our hearts, those things will surely spill out when jolted!
"Make every effort..... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord"
(Hebrews 12:14). After people commit their lives to Christ, they still feel a pull back to their old ways. Peter tells us to be like our heavenly Father - holy in everything we do. Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for his special use, and set apart from sin and its influence. We're to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different are God's qualities in our lives. Our focus and priorities must be His. All this is in direct contrast to our old ways. We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us His Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin. Don't use the excuse that you can't help slipping into sin. Call on God's power to free you from sin's grip.
Miriam is hosting IOW today. Check out the other posts.
Blessings to you today as you pursue holiness in all areas of your life. God is truly calling each of us to a higher level in our walk with Him.
I love your blog title! This is my first week with IOW but I'm already loving it. You ladies have been an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHoliness is for everyone, you are right God called each and every believer to minister (not be a preacher per say) but minister, to their family, co-workers, neighborhood and the world - the Great Commission. :) Thanks for your thoughts.
Jessie at Blog Schmog
Jerry Bridges is one of my favorite writer/teachers! His books have taught me so much about the life-long pursuit of holiness. Every step toward the goal matters. Thank you for participating in IOW this week. Be blessed today.
ReplyDeleteAwsome devotional! Thank you for the reminder that we are to be holy.. in all we do....
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Gwen
Yes, how we need to pursue holiness. Too many Christians compare themselves to other Christians and think they are doing pretty good. But that is not our standard. And how often when we are stressed, we find out what's inside comes out. I pray that I will lay it all down and allow Jesus to be Jesus in me and through me. Because then love and goodness and kindness can't help but come out, even when there is stress.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you,
Debbie