Be Holy

Memory Verse: "For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honour, [Not to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will." (1 Thess.4:3-5, AMP)

Scripture Reading: 1 Thess.5:1-18.

Our Scripture Reading for today opens up with instructions and so does our devotional topic, Be Holy. It is not an advice but a commandment from God. 

I remember when I was learning how to prepare our famous Edikang-Ikong (Vegetable) soup. I was told amongst other things never to add any form of water when preparing this particular kind of soup as any form of water added will adulterate the quality and taste of the soup. I was told this over 10 years ago and till today, this 'law' hasn't changed. A proper Efik/Ibibio person would not go against this principle as sticking to it will help the consumers of this meal access the blood nutrients that this soup offers.

It is not any different with the commandment of God's words. Everything of value (and that includes drawing nutrients / profiting from the word) can only be accessible by adhering strictly to the conditions surrounding them.

Have believers adulterated God's standards for holiness and still expect to reap the benefits of being holy? Baby, it doesn't work like that. These standards concerning sexual purity (holiness) have been there right from the foundations of the earth and it is still the same today (just like the standard for preparing a quality Edikang-Ikong soup hasn't changed). Apostle Paul insisted that the Thessalonians still make greater progress in sexual purity. And I stand in his shoes this morning and I am speaking the same message, "O that we would keep progressing in sexual purity."

In a world that talks about 'safe sex', considers sex to be some form of indoor 'recreation', and thinks watching adultery and fornication on TV or in the movies is 'entertainment', God still expects us to live by the standards of His word (see Jn.17:16, 2 Cor.6:17-18). 

Contrary to those that have watered down the message of holiness and have capitalized on the grace of God as a license to continue in sin (Gal.6:1-2), I admonish us that we begin to see the grace of God as the edge God has given us over sin. By virtue of the grace of God, we are empowered to live above sin and NOT in sin. This is our advantage as believers over the unbelievers who still struggle with sin.

Therefore, if you are saved, you are advantaged. Holy living is possible. Connect with the grace of God, today. Be Holy, just like our Father is (He is not more holy today than He was yesterday and He will not be more holy tomorrow than He is today, right now). Holiness is Daddy's nature: He cannot change. So, get angry with yourself if you keep rising and falling back into sin. Connect with His grace and begin to stand firmly in righteous and keep standing. Remember, the [raw and undiluted] message of holiness may not be popular, but it is right.

I will end today's meal with this quote from R. C. Sproul's book: The Holiness of God, "God's grace is not infinite. God is infinite, and God is gracious. We experience the grace of an infinite God, but grace is not infinite. God sets limits to His patience and forbearance. He warns us over and over again that someday the ax will fall and His judgment will be poured out."

Ponder Point: Holiness is not merely a feeling, state of mind or good intention. It involves practical separation from sin and real separation unto God.

Action Point: Be holy.

Prayer Point: Father, create in me a holy hatred for the works unrighteousness. Stir up in me an undying passion for the works of righteousness in Jesus name, Amen.