The Carefulness of Holiness
"Holiness" is a word central to the essence of God. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is explicit that God is holy, and those who approach God must approach Him with an attitude and lifestyle of holiness.
Satan knows the power of holiness. Thus, hell is ever bent on a plan to divert, confuse, dilute, and disrupt any thought of holiness. From subtlety of deceit to utmost violence, hell foments, fumes, and strategizes -- intent to make God less than pure -- and convince those who would look to God that a carnal life will be acceptable in a less than perfect god's presence.
A volcano is active in Indonesia. I once flew over the Ring of Fire (a series of active volcanoes), and it was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen. It is not beautiful now with Merapi Volcano spewing death. Yet, 7,000 residents have refused to leave.
Mostly Muslims with a mix of Animism (worship of animals) and ancestral worship (worship of the dead), these residents have in the past trekked by moonlight to the rims of volcanoes and thrown live animals, money, jewels, etc., to molten lava pits to appease the gods. They believe that before there is an eruption of the volcano they will have a mysterious dream or a hallucination to warn them. They will not leave until they are spiritually warned.
It seems so foolish. However, we as Christians may ask the simple question: do we mix foolishness with the gospel of Jesus to end up with a less than holy life and less than holy God?
About twenty years ago I passed by a sign in our city that indicated the doctor was interested in "wholeness" of the body. Thinking to myself that he must be Christian, I visited the office for information. In reality the doctor was the follower of an Indian swami. The "wholeness" was totally focused on herbs, medicines and treatments to have good health, prosperity, happiness, and long life without God being any part of the process—as New Age as it can be spelled!
It was a play on "holiness." Again, it seems so foolish to think of having all the best, but not God.
In the National Council of Churches headquarters, New York City, 1980, there was a plaque that read (paraphrased): On your way to meet God what will it hurt to bow and give greetings to Buddha, Hari Krishna, Muhammad (Allah), etc? Ostensibly, the National Council of Churches is funded by "Christian" churches.
And yet this was the mantra in their national headquarters, and still is—unless there has been a massive renovation of removal.
Holiness – a holy God -- God is holy. He commands our holiness: "Be ye holy, even as I am holy” (Peter 1:16).
Oh, it is a challenge to bring our lives into conformity with the holiness of God. Every day is a challenge. Every deed is a challenge. Every thought must be brought under obedience (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Where do we begin with such an awesome task of pursuing holiness? Here are a few simple steps:
1. Study the Bible about God's holiness. This will help to define the word and meaning of holiness.
2. Read especially about Isaiah's encounter with God (Isaiah 6).
3. Study the life of Christ. He is the essence of holiness.
4. Begin to work in your life to bring it under discipline.
a. Make a prayerful plan for your time and activities.
b. Make a prayerful plan for your finances and stewardship.
c. Be truthful in promising to be on time and in place, do a ministry, or even return phone calls. (This may mean changing your message on voicemail from "I will call right back" to "Thanks for calling. I appreciate your leaving a message and phone number.")
d. Spend time alone in prayer and reading the Bible to make sure that your priorities are Christ-directed.
e. Surround yourself with wise counselors who point you to Christ.
One day every knee will bow before a holy God. Not one person or god will be standing before Jehovah God. Some will be bowing out of reverence and worship. Others will be bowing in their sins and rebellion. The difference will be eternal life and eternal death (separation of a holy God into unending punishment).
My hope is that you will be careful not to mix foolish traditions, false religions, and a carnal lifestyle with the purity and holiness of Jesus.
Oh, yes, I grant you, holiness is a daily challenge -- one well worth the cost and effort.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Bare
Hebrews 12:14