Holiness: Called to Be Holy

Believers are called to have hope and to be holy. With a prepared mind, self-control and through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit the believer in sweet Jesus stands equipped to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. We shine forth His light when we do so because it is so “other worldly” in its nature. Also, our holiness is required so that we may not bring disgrace or dishonor to our Lord’s Name. Holiness within consists not simply in restraint of a sensual lifestyle – though important - rather principally it is in living for God rather than for ourselves. If we claim to be a Christian, then we are to walk as one and not profane His great Name. Scripture tells us in 1 John 2:6 (NIV): “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”  

Men judge by what is visible and when we claim faith yet walk cavalierly and worldly we end up serving the devil and not Christ. We may even possibly be able to “talk the talk” yet Jesus calls all His followers to “walk the walk” through His power and for His glory and for our good. Remember, a fire turns all things near it to fire and yeast permeates the whole batch. Grace works that way as well. It loves to spread and permeate a being and a grace-filled life does much to advance God’s kingdom here on earth. It is only when we begin to blend with the world and not shine like the stars in the universe that our witness is not impactful rather earthly or even worse in its nature. We are not good – all our “righteousness is as filthy rages”, Scripture states. Only God is good. And our goal is to empty self of self and be filled with the fullness of Him – becoming more and more like our older Brother Jesus.  

We were made by Him and for Him. No one was made to be idle or idolatrous. We are not our own and we have been bought by the highest price with the blood of Christ, Who turns no one away that comes to Him. Therefore, we are to honor God in all we say and do and think. It is not only in heaven that we are to glorify God, it is also here on earth. We were not merely made to entertain ourselves to death either. He has work here for His children to be about in all their differing callings and services. His desire is for us to shine His light not merely in words - though they are necessary - but predominately in action. Most people see what we do prior to actually hearing what we say. And we are not to be “fruit” inspectors either, rather we are to “tend to our own knitting”, so to speak, “stay in our own lanes” and do what He has called us to do. We are to be at His disposal. This is indeed taking hold of the life that is truly life, BTW, and one without regrets. We will never outgive God. No one is ever the loser for following hard after Christ as He is the ultimate Victor and God will be no man’s debtor. We are to seek after Him and not offend Him rather love and serve Him with all our heart, soul and mind. Be more zealous for good rather than for evil.