Pursuit of Holiness
Hebrews 12:14 says that “without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” 1 Peter 1:15, 16 also say, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written (taken from Leviticus 11:44, 45; 19:2): “Be holy, because I am holy.”
We live in a culture saturated with earthly-bound thoughts and ideas. The topic I’ve chosen to write is of supreme value for all true Christians. One of the goals, or say, the only goal of a Christian life is to become holy like Christ. Apostle Paul speaks of “being transformed from glory unto glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Transformation comes with the pursuit of holiness. There is no such thing as static or digressing Christians. Either you are a transforming Christian or no Christian at all. That’s barely spoken today.
Carnality of our own hearts and minds depict the worldly influence that has invaded our souls. How many of us sincerely longs for and pursue holiness and righteousness of God in our own lives? How many of us devote to only pleasing Christ and His ways? How much of our time and resources do we spend for eternity’s cause? How much of our thoughts do we give to prayer, the Bible and its teachings? The call for true holiness in the Church pews is the greatest need of our time. The Church does not lack any resources but lacks true holiness and devotion to her Master and Lord.
The face of Moses shone brightly as he came down from Mount Sinai spending time in God’s presence. His face was radiant and exposed the fears and sins of the Israelites (Exodus 34:30). Stephen’s face shone like an angel as he spoke to the stubborn Jewish Sanhedrin leaders (Acts 6:15). They were convicted of their sins as the countenance of Stephen emitted God’s glory and they stoned him to death (Acts 7:59). The holiness of these two great characters exposed the false religiosity of the so-called God’s people. Jesus definitely states, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12b). In other words, Christians are lights that expose the sins of darkness. No secret sins can be hidden in the presence of the holiness of God. That is the reason why Christians are to openly confess their sins and renounce them to attain the righteousness of God (1 John 1:9).
What I’m addressing here is not “holier than thou” attitude but an honest search for true sanctification that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. There was a man by the name of Robert Murray M’Cheyne. He was a preacher, a pastor and a poet. He got converted at the age of 18 during the grief-stricken period of the early loss of his elder brother. As a young man, he began to live seriously in his pursuit of holiness and purity. He brought about the Revival in Scotland (1839) and travelled to Palestine to preach to the Jews. He didn’t live long as his life was cut short at the age of 29. He once stated, “The greatest need of my people is my personal holiness.” As young as he was, he understood the immense importance of holiness in a Christian life. He did not live long but made a significant impact upon his generation and beyond because of knowing the importance of pursuing holiness in a Christian life.
As stated, the greatest need of our people today is not more talents, gifts, money, or resources, but it is our personal holiness (physically, mentally and spiritually).” The on-going sanctification of Christian life can only be achieved in the pursuit of personal holiness. At the root of all our sins and worldliness is the absence of our personal devotion to Christ and His word. Indeed, the Church does not need resuscitation but needs a total transformation that comes only in the pursuit of holiness. M’Cheyne prayed this prayer before God, “Lord, make me as holy as a pardoned sinner can be.” Church, may we continue to seek Him as we ask of the Holy Spirit to remove the dross and impurities from our lives and make us a beacon of light for God’s kingdom and Glory, amen.
