“There must be nothing, absolutely nothing, in my daily conduct that, copied by another, could lead that one into unholiness.”- Missionary surgeon Helen Roseveare
“You have love righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”- Hebrews 1:9
As Nancy DeMoss concludes Chapter 1 of Holiness, she states that we cultivate true holiness in the context of a relationship with God. Yet, God doesn’t ask us for a cold, rigid, dutiful responses to His standard of holiness. Nor do we resolve to live up to that standard through sheer grit or will power. Rather, holiness is:
- a warm, joyous loving response to a loving God, who created us to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him
- the overflow of a deeply grateful heart redeemed by God from sin
- empowered by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us
As a result, Nancy stresses, true holiness starts on the inside- those deepest parts of our heart only God sees. When tempted to view holiness as a burden, the author asks us to ponder this idea. Holiness and joy are entwined partners.
Also, it’s harmful to view holiness as an austere duty or burden. Rather, the word holy means to be clean and free from sin’s burden. The author explains:
“To resist holiness or to be half-hearted about its pursuit is to forfeit true joy and to settle for something less than that God-intoxication for which we were created. Sooner or later, sin will strip and rob you of everything that is truly beautiful and desirable.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses prepare your daily conduct to reflect our holy God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The serene beauty of a holy life”
