Holiness

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Something unexpected happened not long ago in my relationship with God. Things were going well at the time. I was just "coasting" in my walk with Christ. There were no mountain-top experiences, and thankfully no heart-wrenching valleys to sustain. I was simply strolling along, until God whispered some life-changing words into my spirit...

"Be prepared to go on a journey. You will go it alone."

The journey had already begun, unknown to me. I felt like something was missing in my relationship with Jesus. It was not something obvious, like needing to spend more time with Him in His Word. Instead, I felt a longing in my soul that I couldn't describe or relieve. I soon began to have a desire to study about the Old Testament Nazirite Vow. It intrigued me to know that in the days of Old, a person could set themselves apart to God by taking this vow. The person would devote themselves to God for a specific period of time, during which strict rules in regard to appearance, diet, and associations were observed. The vow would last from 30 days to a lifetime. This was a way of being "in the world" but not "of the world". Had I lived in the days of the Judges, I may have made that Nazirite vow.

God was stirring in my heart a desire to live a holy life. He calls all of His children to be holy. What does this mean? Holiness is a separation; a setting apart; to sanctify; to separate from all that is sinful; to dedicate. Once we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, the Holy Spirit seals us and fills us. God expects us to imitate Jesus Christ. We were created to worship God, and to bring Him glory in all that we say, think, and do. We are to live holy lives, loving the things that Jesus loves, and hating the things He hates. We are here to make a difference. If Christians are not different from everyone else, what makes loving Jesus so important? Christians are not to have one foot in the world, and one foot in church on Sunday mornings. Because God is holy, He will not accept anything less from us. We are far from perfect, but we do have the Holy Spirit living inside of our bodies. We are, after all, the temple.

We must choose to be obedient to Jesus and His Word. It is a conscious effort we make to be different and set apart. Many of my friends have told me that I am too hard on myself. We have to be hard on ourselves, because God expects us to be mindful of Him in everything. Please know that I do not consider myself holier than you or anyone else. I have such a very long way to go, my friend! I am extreme in some ways in my walk with Jesus because I can fall soooo easily. I know my sinful nature, and what areas of temptation I am weakest in. I try my best to avoid those situations that can entrap me. One thing I do is only listen to Christian music, so that I can surround myself with an atmosphere of praise. If I listen to anything else, my mind automatically goes into the gutter because it reminds me of my past life. I am hard on myself because I do not want to go back to the life I once led. The people I hold close are only those who will build me up, and hold me accountable in my walk with Jesus. We pick up habits of those we spend time with.

Every person is a leader. Someone looks up to you and admires you, whether you see it or not. We must be careful that we do not cause another person to stumble. Something we see as harmless can be detrimental to another. Satan will do whatever he can to sabotage a Christian's life.

I am imploring you, my friend, to live completely and totally for God. He wants to pour out His Sprit, and He constantly searches for faithful followers to be His body as He pours. It is time to be obedient to His command to be holy. He has blessed us abundantly, and we have no excuse to be lukewarm in our faith. Ask God to give you a passion for His Word. Pick up your Bible and read it. Fill your mind with pure and true and lovely thoughts. Turn the trash off of the T.V. Read and listen to things that build up your spirit. We must be extreme in our relationship with Jesus.

       Are you up for the challenge?
       Are you willing to be a full disciple of Jesus Christ?
       Will you choose to live a holy life everyday?
       He is searching for a remnant...

" For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope... These, then are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority." (Titus 2:11,12, and 15).

Be prepared to go on this journey of holiness, for God is calling you.

Verses referring to holiness:
Romans 13:13-14
Titus 2:12, 15
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
1 Peter 1: 13-16
2 Peter 3:11b
2 Corinthians 7:1
Hebrews 12:14
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Colossians 3:1-2,5,8
Colossians 3:16
Ephesians 4:29-30
Ephesians 5:1, 4a
Romans 12:11
Philippians 4:8
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
1 Corinthians 3:2
1 Corinthians 8:13
1 Corinthians 10:32a
Hebrews 12:25a; 28b
James 4:10
Revelation 2:4-5

         Alison