The Power of Holiness
A Bible teacher whom I greatly admire told of an incident
in which she purchased pajamas for a gift. In order to best fit the recipient,
she switched out the top from one pair to go with the bottom of another pair.
She carried her purchase out of the store, pleased to know the PJ’s would fit
perfectly. But by the time she got home, she was miserable with guilt. The Holy
Spirit was nudging her spirit, helping her realize and admit that her action
was wrong—dishonest even.
The next morning, she returned the pajamas and confessed
to the store personnel what she had done. Can’t you imagine the humbling
experience that must have been?
Her point in the telling of her blunder was that the Holy
Spirit is holy. Holy. When we are born-again followers of Jesus, He resides in
us and helps us stay on the straight and narrow path.
So, what is holy? What is holiness?
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| Photo by Connie Wohlford |
The world’s system often emphasizes accumulation of
wealth, power, fame, notoriety, constant entertainment, self-indulgence, and so
on. What would you add to this list? These things can preoccupy our minds and
our time, pulling us away from the things of God, which are of eternal
significance.
While many accomplishments and pleasures can fit into a
holy life, they are not to be the focus and fuel that drives us. God wants us
to have plenty and to enjoy life. He also warns that life is not always easy,
and we may be persecuted for our faith because we disapprove of and/or do not participate
in many of the world’s ways.
Peter inspires us with this powerful exhortation: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV).**
We have been called out. We are His own. Think about it—meditate
on that. We’re a chosen generation—each one handpicked by our Creator. He calls
us His own special people. Father God has looked down on us with compassion and
mercy that is renewed every morning. (Lamentations 3:23)
We need not live in darkness for we are in His marvelous
light.
The Holy Spirit is holy. Let’s never forget that. In Him
is no darkness nor impurity. And He has chosen to take up residence in each of
us so that we have the power to be holy and walk in holiness.
Paul wrote, “And may the Lord make you increase and
abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may
establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but
to holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God who has
also given us His Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8).
Yes, the call to holiness is a mighty tall order but with
the help of the Holy Spirit in us, we can do this thing for God. We can be set
apart—separate from the ways of the world.
I have told my grandchildren that taking a stand for
Christ and what is right may be the bravest thing they ever do. It takes
courage to be holy and like my admired Bible teacher, we’ll sometimes miss the
mark. But when we step up and make it right, we’ve grown some and have allowed
the light of Christ to brighten in us.
Let’s pray: Holy Father, thank You for calling me out to
be Your own. Thank You for the indwelling of Your Spirit Who helps me walk in
holiness according to Your own character. Lord, help me to be brave so I can
fulfil the purpose You have set before me and help others along the way. In the
holy name of Jesus, I pray—Amen.
Me—Holy?
Holiness—me!
You’re kidding. Right?
You
do know who I am.
You’ve
called me out to walk upright
But
God, I’m such a sham!
Enter
in—Your Spirit, Lord.
Yes
now—I do receive.
Your
loving kindness—thank You, Lord.
In
You, I do believe.
Now
holy, I will walk with You.
Your
Spirit lives in me.
The
road of life we’ll travel on,
And
holy I will be.
By
Connie Wohlford
August
2020
*Spirit Filled Life Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, “Word
Wealth” page 1829.
**Scripture
quotations are taken from the New King James Version
©Copyright
2020 Connie Wohlford
