A Wee Thought

Some Holiness churches were once wrongly labelled as believing in 'Sinless Perfection'. Since it doesn't apply to churches, why do we unfairly expect ‘Sinless Perfection’ from other Christians?

Holiness

...but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 ESV

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:17-18 ESV

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NIV

Now there’s a scary word to the Christian who is trying hard to live their life for Jesus, to the best of their ability, and we think we don’t measure up. Here’s a thought, we don’t measure up to the holiness of God, but is that what it’s all about?

We don’t serve an unreasonable God and that is something we need to hold on to. Look at the verses in Romans and Hebrews, do they show a hard line from an uncaring God? We are given all the tools to live right by God, but we need to be serious about our part. I find great comfort that the peak of holiness is covered in the words, “If possible, so far as it depends on you”, and “Make every effort… to be Holy”.

We can’t and don’t have to be as Holy as God. He doesn’t ask that from us, but He does ask us to try our best to STRIVE towards Holiness, and live a Godly life. This IS possible for us to do, and put like that, it isn’t so scary after all, is it?

Holiness

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:17,18

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:14,15

There is a part of holiness that seems to be missed, or perhaps ignored, and that’s the part we play in the process of spiritual growth. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, and the writer to Hebrews (who may also be Paul) makes it very clear that we have a responsibility to respect and be at peace with all men. He also makes clear that it might not be easy. Why else would he say, “Make every effort”? The goal is holiness, and reminds us that “without holiness no one will see the Lord”. That was a very serious charge for the first century faithful, and no less of a charge today.

We like to get our own way, and come out on top in everything, even matters of faith, but we are warned against it. We also like the easy way, which takes least effort, but also has least reward. But the downside is that we might fall short of the gift of grace God has for us, causing bitterness and no sincere believer wants that!

Holiness is a process of growth, but since we have a responsibility of our own to fulfil, we would be wise to make a firm decision to start. Otherwise, how does anyone know we are sincere? These verses remind me of my obligation as a Christian to live peacefully with men, and as much as possible not become bitter. Anything less is not a good example or witness for Person whose Name I bear.

It is summed up nicely in the words of the Psalmist: “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1