Nov 01 2009
What it Means to be Holy
What exactly is holiness? Well, first let’s list what it isn’t. It isn’t trying our hardest to do our best to avoid sin. It isn’t staying inside a little box where we aren’t exposed to the outside world, though some would have us believe otherwise. Neither is it trying to be perfect, pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps.
If it isn’t those things–what is it? In truth, holiness is something we humans cannot attain, without the power of God in action inside us. One look at Old Testament Scripture proves that since the beginning of time men could not keep the law–could not attain to holiness.
Jesus actually came to bring true and lasting holiness. Falling in love with Him hook, line and sinker is the only way to be holy. Casting our cares upon Him and staying in close communication, both through meditating on the Word and fervent prayer, produces holiness in a way nothing else can. And once we have lost ourselves in His wonderful love, He reaches out and touches us, building us up, reminding us that, though we are but dust, we are irresistable and precious to God. Useful to the very kingdom of God.
I personally went the route of the perfectionist, and guess what? I ended up suicidal, realizing I would never measure up. The thing is, we weren’t meant to do it by ourselves. It’s not possible in our meager human strength. But with God, it’s not only possible, it’s guaranteed, but only if we lay down our own agendas and pick up the one God designed for each of us.
Only as we agree with God and get in line with His plan will the old things lose their attraction. Only then will we love what God loves and hate what He hates. Only then will we see with the eyes of heaven exactly what He wants us to accomplish. The cool thing is, however, that even what’s on our “to do” list isn’t up to us to do alone. He, in us, will make them happen. Isn’t that an amazing thought?
Let’s let go of the old, dead things that keep us on the ground and let God take us higher!
Because of His great love,
Nancy
