a l i v e & a w a k e

 

From when I was young, I always heard the term ‘holiness’ to mean ‘set apart’. The way to live ‘set apart’ was to not do things and stay away from bad influences. The word bugged me because I caught on quickly that even if I ran away from all ‘bad’ things and influences I still found quite an unholy mind and heart in me!

I heard a message lately on the definition of the word Holiness that has fully redeemed the concept. The way to live as holy set apart people is to be on mission. That mission is to be a transformational presence in the middle of the world. The world can be dark and rough, but the lighthouse is most useful in the middle of that mission. “Be holy as I am Holy” (1Pet 1:15) now is more attainable as a Christ follower. God is in every part of His creation redeeming and transforming. That is holiness.
The prayer of Jesus in John 17 emphasizes this:
15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.
16 They are not part of this world any more than I am.
17 Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.
19 And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours.
John 17:15-19 (NLT)

The act of holiness is not just an individual practice but a community involvement. Our mission on this earth cannot be completed without holiness and vise versa. So how do I live missional holiness?
Obedient actions proclaiming the character of God in every moment of my day. It is the ongoing search for the work of God in individuals, groups and responding to that. Now opening a door for someone is not just a courtesy but a holiness mission. A kind word is a transformational blessing from God. A helping hand is a very spiritual act. We are able to give this and receive this holiness fresh every day.
-joe