Sadly, that is the perception of many. But growing in holiness is not becoming a dry, boring, legalistic fuddy-duddy. Rather, growing in holiness is to have the peace and joy that all of us want in our lives. It’s to become more like Christ, to have the wisdom to live a God-honoring life, to make wise decisions, and to avoid painful consequences. It’s to shine the light of a life well-lived in a dark world.
If that’s true, shouldn’t we all want to grow in holiness? If so, how do we do it?
And by contrast, how do some people end up pulled down into so much darkness? How does a habitual liar become one or some other life-dominating sin become a way of life? How does a truly evil person become that way?
God’s desire for us is for holiness. But holiness is more than our outward actions. It’s about what’s going on in our hearts. God repeatedly emphasizes the need for us to allow Him to work in our hearts. In the book of James, He gives us two powerful illustrations about how our thinking, part of what’s going on in our heart or inner man, affects our growth in holiness or conversely allows us to give in to sin.
Also, read about how we’re to respond when an enemy falls and the purpose of spiritual gifts.
Are “little white lies” really little? Though they sometimes seem harmless, even necessary, what if God dealt with little white lies, in the same way this Sunday as He did with Ananias and Sapphira? Would you and I still be left standing?
Why did God deal so decisively, some might say harshly, with Ananias and Sapphira? Why would He care so much about a little white lie? What has changed today, if anything? And could this be a reason for the lack of power in our lives, our churches, and the spiritual condition of those who call themselves Christians? These are important questions, ones we shouldn’t brush aside.
Today it’s easy to see how the unbelieving world has rejected God’s truth and authority. But, even as believers, we must fight the constant bombardment of philosophies and information, much of which directly contradicts the Bible. All this makes learning God’s Word all the more important. If we don’t, we may start to think and look more and more like the unbelievers around us and find ourselves just blending in..
Learning to trust God as Father makes it possible to rest in Him even in the midst of pain, persecution, trials, and other difficulties. But if we’re going to trust God as Father, we must truly know Him as our Father and not just as God and Judge.
How do you see God? Do you see Him as a harsh judge just waiting to punish you? Do you see Him as a benevolent grandfather who’s not too concerned about whether or not you are holy? Or do you see Him as a Father, the only perfect father, one who cares about your holiness and not just your happiness, but a father who is trustworthy and has your best interests in mind? If not, I hope you will read today’s post and prayerfully think about these things.
