Living a holy life
Some years ago, I was talking with an acquaintance about a church in Tulsa, Okla.
“Oh, I wouldn’t go that THAT church! They act holier than thou!” he exclaimed.
“What does mean?” I asked.
“It means, uh, well, you know – they act real holy and religious!”
“Well, what does that mean?” I asked again.
“What’s the matter? I thought you knew this religion stuff.”
“I know about religion and Christianity, but you are condemning those people. So, tell me what you mean, and why.”
He walked away because, not being a Christian, he was trying to justify his own sinful lifestyle (it was bad) by demeaning those who were living a Godly lifestyle.
But he said they were “acting holy,” so let’s talk about holiness.
Tom Graney, Executive Director of New Life Ranch in eastern Oklahoma, spoke in Siloam Springs Bible Church and said, “Holiness means ‘dedicated or set apart to God.’ Holiness begins in our minds, and is an ongoing lifestyle. Holiness is a work in progress. It results in spiritual transformation. Holiness should permeate our entire life, for it involves everything we do, think, and say.”
He referred us to 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God—who chose you to be his children—is holy. For he himself has said, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’” And Romans 12:2a: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” But we have to purposely cooperate with God for that to happen.
Several related words are: consecrated, hallowed, saint, belonging (to God), God-like. that
I admire Tom Graney for boldly saying what many pastors and teachers are either hesitant or outright afraid to say. He challenged us with the statement: “Holiness is a result of fearing God.” But do Christians actually fear, revere, or honor God?
Based on what I have seen in the churches across our nation, many Christians – adults as well as the youth – do not fear God. Rather than living a life wholly dedicated to God and teaching others to know and accept Christ for who He is, these misguided Christians are choosing to enjoy some of the evil pleasures of the world.
In an attempt to be relevant to the world, they have become like the world.
Tom asked the church: “Where do you spend your time? Your money? Where do you invest your emotions and your will? What are your priorities in life?” Answering these questions truthfully could help the church get back on track.
Several church denominations are historically described as “holiness churches” because of their historic stand for Christ and against worldliness. But a great many of their members now go where the sinful world goes, and do what the sinful world does. They don’t understand that when they act like the world, they have diluted or lost their witness for Christ.
Jesus was consistent in remaining separate from the world while ministering life to the people. He said in John 17:15-17, “I’m not asking you [Father God] to take them [ Jesus’ disciples] out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.”
Jesus didn’t mimic the lifestyle of the people in order to save them. Instead, while remaining holy and dedicated to the Father, He presented truth with the love and authority of the Father; and those who desired to live for God joined Jesus. Therefore, we, also, must remain separate from the world while ministering to the world. We don’t need to act or look like the sinful world while trying to accomplish God’s goals. If we look and act like the world, they might see no need to change.
We must use the proper methods of rescuing the perishing, and that entails being holy while sharing the Holy Word of God. We must know the Father through Jesus Christ, then the Holy Spirit can empower us and equip us with spiritual gifts to minister to the world and influence them for Christ. (Read Ephesians 4:11-16 and First Corinthians 11:411.)
Second Corinthians 6:17a says, “Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.” By thought, word, action, and lifestyle, let’s honor the Lord Jesus Christ.
— Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, mentor and president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to masters. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
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