Understanding True Holiness
"Holiness unto the Lord." Zechariah 14:21
Holiness should always be "unto the Lord." Any time we make it "unto men," it's wrong and misguided because it's just pride and pretense. Jesus condemned the Pharisees not for their acts of piety, but because they performed them to impress others. Not only did they life by a long list of religious "do's and don'ts," they also kept a scorecard on others who didn't live up to their list and denounced them for it. Some of us grew up in homes and churches that did this, and when the word "holiness" is mentioned, we squirm and think of Christians with somber faces and fingers pointed in accusation. That's not Bible holiness, that's legalism! And God hates it, and the Bible condemns it. To understand what true holiness is, think of the word "contamination." It's one of every hospital's greatest concerns. It's why doctors in an operating room insist that their surgical instruments be constantly sterilized; caps, gowns, and gloves worn; and the environment in the room maintained at a temperature where germs can't live. Are you getting the picture? Now adjust the lens a little bit, and you'll see the spiritual application. True holiness does not isolate you from the world, it insulates you from its contaminants. Paul corrected the Corinthian Church for their approach to the communion table: "In eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk" (1 Corinthians 11:21 NKJV). So Paul addresses their spiritually sloppy, anything-goes attitude. "For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep [have died]" (v. 30 NKJV). What's the answer? "Holiness - unto the Lord!"
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word for You Today
Holiness should always be "unto the Lord." Any time we make it "unto men," it's wrong and misguided because it's just pride and pretense. Jesus condemned the Pharisees not for their acts of piety, but because they performed them to impress others. Not only did they life by a long list of religious "do's and don'ts," they also kept a scorecard on others who didn't live up to their list and denounced them for it. Some of us grew up in homes and churches that did this, and when the word "holiness" is mentioned, we squirm and think of Christians with somber faces and fingers pointed in accusation. That's not Bible holiness, that's legalism! And God hates it, and the Bible condemns it. To understand what true holiness is, think of the word "contamination." It's one of every hospital's greatest concerns. It's why doctors in an operating room insist that their surgical instruments be constantly sterilized; caps, gowns, and gloves worn; and the environment in the room maintained at a temperature where germs can't live. Are you getting the picture? Now adjust the lens a little bit, and you'll see the spiritual application. True holiness does not isolate you from the world, it insulates you from its contaminants. Paul corrected the Corinthian Church for their approach to the communion table: "In eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk" (1 Corinthians 11:21 NKJV). So Paul addresses their spiritually sloppy, anything-goes attitude. "For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep [have died]" (v. 30 NKJV). What's the answer? "Holiness - unto the Lord!"
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word for You Today
Recent
Archive
2022
January
This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
February
Love Wherever We GoA Humble PostureA Fresh StartThe Wonder of CreationNot for Our ComfortSweet SleepGetting What We WantSuccess and SacrificeMortality and HumilityHis Amazing HelpThe Voice of the FatherLiving by FaithNot ForgottenThe Power of LoveWe Are OneWise AdviceBeing SeenLiftSpotting GodLeaning Into GodNever Say "Can't"Love Your Loved OnesThe Challenge of the StarsFollow the LeaderAvoid the DoorPart of the FamilyThe Joy of Good NewsChoosing Celebration
March
How To Be Financially SecureWho Are You Depending On?God Speaks To You Through His WordLike Seeds Growing Within YouThe Smell Of SinBe Passionate About It! (1)Be Passionate About It! (2)Be Passionate About It! (3)Leaning On Your Own StaffAim For The MarkBe FaithfulGod's DNA Is In His WordDon't Withhold It--Give It!Do It TodayWork It OutHow God Changes Us (1)How God Changes Us (2)Think Right, Live RightWhat Does It Mean To Meditate?A Love For God's WordUnderstanding God's Love For YouIntercede With God For ThemDress For SuccessFeeling Good About YourselfUse Your FaithConquering SelfishnessWhen You Die (1)When You Die (2)When You Die (3)When You Die (4)When You Die (5)
Categories
no categories