Today we see a picture of God's holiness in both the NT and the OT readings. In the OT, we see the "glory of the LORD" that is present in the very strange cherubim that fly around. His glory and His holiness go together. And that "strangeness" is another word for holiness. It is "other", in a sense that it is not of this world. And He calls us to be holy, as He is holy.
In the NT, we read about God swearing an oath on His own name, because it is impossible for Him to lie. This is a result of His holiness... His "other"ness.
So how do we respond to this call to be holy? Well, one thing we DON'T do is get so preoccupied with being holy that we become impatient and judgmental with other people. We should be concerned about our own holiness, not looking down our noses at other people and thinking they need to be holier than they are. That's not love... and love is the central core of being holy. Because God IS love... and God is holiness.
So to be holy, as God is calling us... is to seek God. It means to get closer to Him. To respond with a "yes" when He calls us to do things... like helping other people. Or confessing our sins. Or fasting from things that distract us. But again... we have to be careful not to confuse being holy with being "holier than thou". And the difference lies in love. If you are holy and loving, you come across real and humble... because you are. If you are "holier than thou", it is because you're coming across prideful - proud of your holiness.
So let's seek God and His Kingdom - and all these things... including holiness... will be added to us.
God, thanks for calling us to holiness. Please help us be holy, as you are.
1 comment:
Holiness is focus of your love for others not a look at me attitude. Once we think we are holy, we easily pass over to holier than thou.....help me to achieve true holiness helping and loving others, setting aside what's good for me and focus on others.
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