I thought about giving this post the title of “Holiness” but that seemed so bland. Besides, we all have our (sometimes) preconceived ideas of what holiness is. With using the word “Conspicuous” I can hopefully lay aside some of those thoughts. This is the fourth post in a series that began here. The second post was here and the third post was here. The third suggestion Kevin makes for reaching this generation is
HOLD THEM WITH HOLINESS
May I be honest with you? At first glance, that sure sounds sort of “iffy” to me. I mean…given the penchant this generation has for “Live and Let Live” and “Do Your Own Thing” and “I Don’t Want Any Rules or Absolutes,” it sure sounds like barking in the wind to me. Holiness does not seem to be one of those popular subjects that members of this current generation would be interested in.
I need to say something right up front. When I speak of holiness I am NOT talking about musical styles; clothes one wears to or outside of the church gathering; the “rightness” or “wrongness” of what takes place on Sunday morning; the image one gives off to others with their mask; or any other idea often associated with holiness.
HOLINESS IS MORE THAN AN ATTITUDE. IT. IS. A. LIFESTYLE. A 24/7/365 LIFESTYLE. IT INCLUDES OUR THOUGHTS, OUR MOTIVES, OUR ACTIONS, IN FACT, EVERY PART OF US.
In his book, Kevin gives a great quote by a preacher of long ago, Robert Murray M’Cheyne:
“My people’s greatest need is my personal holiness.”
M’Cheyne was saying that what is paramount to making an impact, a difference, is none other than ME! ME being changed by my time in the presence of God. ME being impacted by His work in my life. The simple truth is that if nothing significant is happening in my life, my Bible study, my family, chances are very good that my influence will be next to nil. It begs the question: if nothing is happening in my life, how in the world can I possibly expect to influence someone else? Did Paul not tell Timothy, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity”? [I Tim. 4:12] Paul was trying to tell Timothy (I think) that “your influence will be felt as you have your act together.” I have found it is much easier to change the way “church is done,” than it is to change myself. A little cosmetic here, a little there, and voila! But not so when it comes to me. The Switchfoot song, I Made a Mess of Me, comes to mind. How can I say this without sounding strange? My lifestyle must become conspicuous by its very difference. Not stick-out-like-a-thumb-weird, but a life that is fruitful, pure, growing in grace, and changing.
That is a big challenge for me. Is it for you? How could you become more conspicuous (in a good way)? I’d like to hear any thoughts you have to share.
Love the idea of Holiness as a lifestyle because too often it is thought of as a single act of some sort. I also see the McCheyne quote as dead on and a huge challenge for me personally.
That quote was quite a challenge for me also, Jim. Thanks.
The simple truth is that if nothing significant is happening in my life, my Bible study, my family, chances are very good that my influence will be next to nil.
My thought on this is that we have a ripple effect in all that we do. Even if there isn’t much going on in our personal time with God. God has brought the power of my ripple effect into the light over the last few months. I’d love to think of my Conspicuous-ness rubbing off on everyone when I’m in a “good” place with God 🙂 But even when I’m in a spiritual slump…my ripple effect will be felt. My small group. My son. My girlfriend. All of those people will feel my ripple effect.
I totally agree. Holiness is a lifestyle. Not a facade for Sunday morning.
Thanks for the post!
We definitely have a ripple effect-both good and bad-Craig. I really appreciate your comment. Thanks for coming by my site. I will be checking out yours.
Great stuff. I love that Switchfoot song. The trick with holiness is that it’s not something that I can fake for long. We can fool some people for a little while but our sin will expose us. Holiness is from God. The more I am around Him the more I want to be like Him.
That is probably my favorite Switchfoot song. You got it right too Rob about faking it. Only soooo long and then it catches up with us. Thanks for commenting.
I love that verse in 1Timothy. First, it’s talking about young people. Today, most people see young people as the terrors of our society. No, there are young people with integrity, faith and purity. I agree that Holines is something you are, not something you do. With that said, it is manifested in us. The people who “fake” holiness will fall flat on their faces. The people who “live” holiness will shine like the sun.
You put a good spin on that verse Moe. I like the fact that you point out youth are not the terrors of our society. I know adults who are! Agree about the fake and live. Thanks for the comment.
Hold them with holiness.
I love that thought.
But I didn’t realize how much until you mentioned we need to be holy 24/7 365 days a year. In other words, by me just loving God and loving people, I’m holding them in holiness.
Definitely an inspiration.
Thanks Duane. They will “see” holiness manifested in us. Appreciate you coming by.
In my mind (small I know) holiness is a state of being like Him…of having His character pressed into my life. That’s the way I stick out…when I look more like Jesus.
Good stuff bro’…thanks!
Suspect your mind is bigger than mine Jay but whose to know right? 😛 I like the idea of His character pressed into my life. Yeah! Thanks for contributing.
I’m glad you explained the quote because I totally didn’t get it! 🙂 I’m with you. As a leader, the change starts with me and if I’m stagnant, most people will–well, follow my lead. Great thoughts, Bill. Thanks.
You put it well Jason. If I am stagnant people will follow my lead. hard to lead from an empty tank. Thanks for visiting.
Hi Bill,
You said “That is a big challenge for me. Is it for you? How could you become more conspicuous (in a good way)?”
I have always been different (so to speak) so it’s not as much as a challenge for me as for some others. I was always the smart one from grade 1 to grade 6. (my IQ is just average, but I had an ability to learn quickly during those early years )
During the teen years I was always the least popular. I had friends but not many. I experienced severe stress, and I’m thinking now some depression over those years.
My parents divorced and my mother was largely absent in the lives of my sister and myself.
In senior years of high school I did a little better. I met and married my knight in shining armour. He eventually revealed himself as a recluse, a controller and an emotional and mental abuser, but we had some good years and good times in our marriage. (I certainly played my part in the eventual breakup of our long term marriage).
So for me being ‘conspicuous’ is not that hard. I’ve been that way for a large part of my life.
What has happened over the past year or so is my feeling and conduct toward my son-in-law. When I see him out in our community I give him a hug. I do care about him.
I continue to interact with my neighbor about the things of the Lord. She’s had a difficult time in the past 2 years. She’s been shaken to her very core in her beliefs about God.
I interact by e-mail with a few in my area who are doing an analysis of pulpit preaching in Central Alberta. They’re not popular in this area right now. I’ve become a public member. I don’t agree with everything that is written but in a general way there is agreement.
You have quite a story Linda-one with a whole lot of ups and downs I am sure. I am so glad to see that God has “pulled you through.” Very glad to see you taking your faith to the streets. Thanks for coming by.
When will people quit talking about it (becoming Holy) and just do it?
Never…that’s when.
But the Good News is that we are DECLARED HOLY…for Jesus’sake!
(well, I realize that is not exactly good news for some who love the religious navel gazing project)
Agreed Steve. We are declared holy because of the righteousness of Christ. Thanks for the comment.
Love, love, love Steve’s comment! And Bill it was Jason Gray. (=
Thanks Julie. 🙂 Loved the song.
Word of the day for me: conspicuous…
On a serious note – there’s nothing like personal holiness. And you’re right in saying that it’s 24 / 7 / 365 (well, half of that time is easy – when we sleep, holiness can be easily achieved:)… It’s like with changing the world – we can only change ourselves – but if we achieve that, we can change what is going on around us.
Agree about the changing part Zee. Change us-change that which is around us. Thanks.
I’m finding myself lately being SO busy that I’ve neglected my relationship with God. I don’t know why I struggle with that so much, but I do. I think that being busy helps me not think about the things that are hard. So anyway, that is one way I could be better. Good post Bill.
Thanks Michelle. Being busy is one of the ways we definitely get out of whack in our relationship. Sometimes we do get busy to forget. God is faithful though.
Conspicuous. I don’t know about being conspicuous lately as I don’t have much outside contact but some I have talked to, I lament on the Power of God to heal in Jesus name.
All it takes is having enough faith in His loving grace to grant one the serenity to accept what ever He may do in His super natural powers to heal or comfort one in crisis.
The fact that you do make sure the power of God is known is making sure the message of Christ is known, Larry. use the opportunities you have. Thanks for coming by.
The Mahatma Ghandi quote comes to mind as I read this: Be the change you want to see in the world . This is definitely challenging, but this who Christ called us to be. Not to just be on the sidelines, but to be doers of the Word.
Quote fits well Jon. You are right about not being on the sidelines but a doer. Thanks for visiting.
Holiness is the “whole-hearted” devotion of oneself to God, not half-hearted. I agree with you when you say holiness is a lifestyle and permit to add a quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones that says Holiness is not something to be received in a meeting; it is a life to be lived and to be lived in detail.
What a fantastic quote Mercy! I love it!! Thanks for adding that to this conversation. I am going to have to write that one down.