Today I moved couches away from their normal spots and vacuumed underneath. I found a pacifier, some change and old animal crackers and a whole lot of yuck. Sometimes I find things underneath my couches or inside the cushions I misplaced months ago. It's always a plus to find a pacifier, considering how much money I spend on those things! Seeing all the crumbs, gum wrappers, dirt and even bugs on the floor after pushing the couches back, got me excited about vacuuming. Just to hear the noise of all the junk being sucked away makes me feel like I've made great use of my time. Funny and probably weird to admit but, it's satisfying.
Right now I currently have a lot of stuff I am finding in my own life as I pull back the flesh and allow the Holy Spirit to do some work. I'm finding there are some things I have misplaced. Some things I need to re-think, some attitudes I need to change and some family relationships that need reconciliation. The problem I am having with all of it is I can't figure it all out in one day. The change, the cleaning out of old mindsets and habits will take a lifetime. God is constantly working on me, constantly. At times it's relaxing and refreshing as the Holy Spirit gently shows me areas where I need change. Other times it's dreadful and painful. Doing away with the ugliness of flesh is a stinky process. Oh how I wish I could just get it all out and suck it all up with a vacuum. Not so simple, is it?
There is this one area of my flesh right now that has got to be reconciled or it's going to cause some major damage. Even as I type this I am thinking about some anger and unforgiveness I am holding onto. You know the scripture I mentioned a few weeks ago about being still and God will fight for me? Well, I have not trusted him to do that. I'm not trusting him in a whole lot of areas.
I just love how the Holy Spirit speaks to me. I love knowing when I hear His voice. So many Christians walk this earth not knowing how to hear His voice or how to plug into his power. This morning I was feeling very discouraged, very alone and even angry. And then, He spoke to me. It may have been through something simple like vacuuming underneath couches, but He spoke. He's always trying to speak to me but so often I am not listening.
Every once in a while I have a horrible feeling of "confusion" come over me. I'm confused about church, confused about relationships within the church, confused about living the Christian life outside of church (monday-saturday), confused about the pursuit of holiness, confused about what is sin and what isn't sin, confused about my convictions vs. other's convictions, confused about leadership, confused about post modern preachers vs. preachers who aren't, confused about discipleship, confused about worship, confused about growing up in a Pentecostal church and now not sure what I think of that background. Confused.
I have found this place I am in is really a safe place to be. This is when God teaches me the most because He is the only one I can go to for answers. He is showing me that more and more. He is the only one I can truly TRUST with my everything. I don't think I will ever get to a place where I quit asking questions. I know my Heavenly Father loves my questions, He welcomes them.
So I have a question for you because it's something I am thinking about a lot right now. If you decide to give your interpretation of this in the comment section, I ask you to not make this a personal attack against today's church. This has nothing to do with "the" church. Okay, here it goes. As believers, I believe we should be in hot pursuit towards holiness. How do you pursue holiness in your own life? What does it look like? Remember, pursuing Holiness isn't something that looks legalistic. At least, I don't think that is how Christ would view it.
11 comments:
How I pursue holiness:
I simply go after God with everything in me. If I truly go after Him - seek His will, His face (not His hand) and trust Him with my entire being - He shows up, cleans me up and keeps pushing me toward holiness.
I don't think it's a place we ever arrive at. I think it's something we continually strive for - crucifying the flesh daily.
I screw up all the time, but it's not by works we get 'holy' (my pentecostal background would teach otherwise).
If we really go after God, we'll 'clean up' and want to be more like Him. We won't need a set of rules/regs to accomplish it.
My two cents. :)
Great post! This is really important, especially since God commands us to this (Leviticus 11:44).
I'm going to spend some time reflecting on this one. Thanks!
WOW great question... DEEP! Something to ponder & think about. I agree though that is isn't anything we will 'arrive' at.... we strive and keep working at it. I don't think it has anything to do with wearing your hair in a bun, no make up,. long skirts and the other 'outward' features we were taught as kids (in this area about holiness). I have a question for you --- do you find the older you get, the more knowledge you have so therefore things we were 'taught' as children you don't agree with now? I find myself have been taught so many things and examples were set but as I grow in the Lord the more my views change and even some beliefs.
I was not raised UPC so when I say pentacostal, I do not mean no makeup, etc. (just want to clear that up) and I have never been a part of extreme legalism in church but I have witnessed it.
And I for sure don't think we will ever arrive, not until we meet HIM face to face.
These are great thoughts but I am still wondering what it looks like for some of you. Believers often use words that only other believers would get. I mean, what are we showing the world?
Hebrews 12:14 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
??? Hmmm.
I love this post- you are expressing a lot of what I have been feeling, too, and I want to give this some thought before answering. Thanks for this great post; I feel the Holy Spirit speaking through your words to encourage me,
Amanda-
Since you asked I was just going to tell you what the Lord has taught me about holiness and what it looks like. For a true follower of Jesus Christ, that is someone who has a one on one relationship with Jesus' not religion, I think that as we ask God to show us the deception in our hearts(see Isaiah 17:9)and ask Him to change us into the image of His Son, then the holiness of God will eminate from within us. I believe that holiness is not something that we as fleshly humans are able to obtain only that we are the ones who become willing to allow God to change us and aware that God is the only One that can bring that change about in us.
For me, as He has started changing me, holiness looks like submitting to that still small voice when my flesh wants me time and becoming a servant, or not defending "myself" when someone is arguing with something that I said because I am to let this mind be in me, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of NO reputation and took upon Him the form of a SERVANT and was made in the likeness of man. Philipians 2:5-7. Also, not trying to "look" like the world i.e. dressing as they do or the like, I have started allowing the Lord to show me what is appropiate as I know that I do not want to become a stumbling block for anyone. I have also been learning that keeping my mouth quiet, reaps many benefits, such as, I don't say anything that I might regret, less opportunity to sin, and when my mouth is still God has a better opportunity to speak to me.
Really these are only a few things, very small things really, but they add up to the bigger picture which is to become more like Jesus Christ so that where ever I go the lost will "see" Jesus(and not the world)in me even if they are not talking to me. You never know when the Holy Spirit will be pushing back darkness so that another soul can be won to Jesus Christ. Some people will never open up a Bible, you might be the only Bible that they are ever exposed to. So, I say, ask Jesus to start the change in your heart because He has the reigns and then His holiness will shine through.
Hope that makes sense. Sorry it was so long, but that has been my experience in my walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you and your family.
Sarah T
This is such a great post. A great question. One that I could write about for days....where I struggle or where the struggle lies within me.
Most certainly I know that what keeps me from holiness is sin. And apart from Christ my sin will consume me and ultimately kill me. So because I have been bought and I seek to be like Christ (to be holy) then I must put off the old self and put on Christ.
You ask "what that looks like" and that is where the rubber hits the road, huh? Your question is not about what the bible teaches on holiness, but rather how does our life reflect that truth? (right?)
Man. I wonder what others would say about my life, because that is more likely, closer to the truth.
But. I'll say my prayer is that there is less of me than when this journey started. Less selfishness and more sacrificial giving.....like with my family & friends. Whether that's time or money or emotions. Whatever.
Less anger and more forgiveness. Whether I've been wronged or not. Whether it's fair or not. Just heaping on the love and the forgiveness.
Less judgement and more love. Still living my life that I hope honors God and recognizing sin and departing from that BUT loving others without judgement. This is soooo hard for me. Even things that I know consumed my life not so long ago become huge stumbling blocks for me when I see others doing them.
Less greed and more contentment. Yuck. Trying not to measure my cup next to someone elses. Recognizing that His perfect plan is perfect. Not just perfect for me, but perfect. Period.
I could go on. And on.
I also agree that we should look different. Family first, modesty, purity, God-honoring marriages and friendships, leadership in the workplace where Christian leaders make the difference by setting a Holy example, etc. etc. but those are the symptoms and side effects of Christ in our life and they are not the starting point.
Thanks for the wonderful question. It has me looking inward at the "crumbs & gum wrappers"
:)
First off let me recommend a book called "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. Wondeful book! He teaches you how to break holiness down, into an every day decision.
We have to remember holiness is not perfection, or even victory. It requires effort, prayer, grace and obedience. We must learn not only our role in the pursuit of holiness, but also the role of God. Sometimes successfully pursuing holiness is making ONE decision that makes us closer to God. Like choosing to tell the truth, or forgiving the one who really has hurt us.
Holiness is not just something to be attained by us, but it is also who God sets us apart to be. Although that does not make it easier.
Sorry to leave two comments, but I grabbed my book (and my notes) from when I studied up on this.
As I was studying these are the things I found: "Holiness is preparing and protecting your heart and thoughts> holiness is discerning trugh, recognizing distractions and getting rid of those distractions. Holiness is finding what's best rather than "good or better". Holiness is simple obedience. Holiness is remembering your testimony and the trap of temptation."
Each day I believe we as Christians, or Christ Followers can show holiness to others by obeying God. That can be in many ways whether it is self control, love even when it's hard, anything. God will reveal himself through the holiness you display through Him.
1 Peter 2:13-22 broken down tells us to:
(v.13) prepare minds for action (v.13) self control (v.13) hope on grace of God (v.14) turn from evil desires (v.15) live holy (v17) live as a stranger on earth (v22)purify yourself by obeying God (v. 22) love brothers
Some verses: 1 Peter 1:13-25, 1 Cor 11:1, 1 Peter 1:15, Romans 1:4, 2 Tim 1:9, Heb 12:14, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 Thess 4:7), Isaiah 35:8, 2 Cor 7:1, 2 Tim 1:9
Hope this helps
For me, seeking holiness equates to seeking God's presence. Time spent seeking Him brings me to a different place, and it is obvious to me when I have made that effort. I can do nothing to attain holiness, but giving myself to Him and asking Him to overwhelm me with His presence makes a noticeable difference in my spirit and my day.
It's not what I do, but what He does in me when I quit trying, and start accepting (His grace and power in my life). Does that make sense? Not sure if it does, but it is something God has been working on in me, and I am striving to be obedient.
Philippians 3:10
10[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death.
That verse sums it up for me. In striving for Holiness I am trying to be continually transformed into His likeness. I think it goes hand in hand with the word Glory. I learned in college that to glorify God means to let others see Him in us. Not to praise Him, anyone can do that. But to GLORIFY Him, meaning when someone else looks at me they see a picture of Christs love. I think about that all the time, am I a picture of Christ's glory? And what I am doing on a practical basis is striving to be continually transformed, so that I am in His likeness. So that my walk, and my talk and my approach to life looks like Christ to someone on the outside.
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