Holiness

What does it mean to live a holy life?  I’ve been thinking about this lately.  The general consensus when speaking on holiness seems to fall under one of two thoughts:  1) holiness is un-achievable, so why even bother, or 2) to pursue holiness we must adopt a long list of things not to do.

In the Old Testament books of the Law, we are commanded to pursue holiness.  Leviticus is an account of the Lord speaking to the people outlining the law to live by.  In Leviticus 11:44 the Lord says, “I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.”

What if we began to define holiness not by a list of “don’ts” but by what we do do?  As I was reading in a book called “Secrets of the Secret Place,” I came across a powerful passage regarding holiness.  It reads:

“Holiness is not an inherent quality we carry; it is a derived quality that we take on.  Holiness has to do with proximity to the throne. The seraphim are called “holy ones,” not because of who they are but because of where they are.  They are “holy ones” because they live in the immediate presence of the Holy One.  I am holy only to the extent that I abide in His holy presence.  Holiness is a life lived before the throne of God.”

People get so caught up in the idea of perfection – and in knowing that they’ll never be perfect – so they don’t even try.  Holiness is not so much perfection, but instead it’s about being set apart.   What if we started viewing holiness not as an unreachable ideal, but as a gift from God…a gift He’s given us to deepen our relationship with Him.  I have been challenged to chew on this lately.  There’s a list of questions that was found in a book called “A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People.”  These questions serve as a constant plumb line as I daily attempt to live a holy life.

1) Have I done anything today to fulfill the purpose for which I was born?
2) Have I accepted opportunities of service that You in Your wisdom have set before my feet?
3) Have I performed without omission the plain duties of the day?
4) Have I today done anything that tarnishes the image of Christ I’m to carry?
5) Have I been lazy in body or in spirit?
6) Have I wrongfully indulged my bodily appetites?
7) Have I kept my imagination pure & healthy?
8) Have I been scrupulously honest in all of my business dealings?
9) Have I been transparently sincere in all I have professed to be, to feel, or to do?
10) Have I tried today to see myself as others see me?
11) Have I made more excuses for myself than I have been willing to make for others?
12) In my own home, have I been a peacemaker or have I stirred up strife?
13) Have I, while professing noble sentiments for great causes & distant objects, failed even in common charity & courtesy to those nearest to me?

I think there are indeed things that we can daily choose into that by focusing on them, we move closer to the Lord and closer to living a holy lifestyle.  May I be daily reminded that I am holy only to the extent that I abide in His holy presence.