Be Holy
God's word calls us to a higher calling than the world. It tell us in 1 Peter 1:15-16 "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Do we give excuse for our sin? Do we say to the world well, "we are all hypocrites so why not be hypocrites with us?" Should there be a difference between us and the world? You look at Colossians 3:9b-ff "Since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly love clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
We are called be a holy people. Not self righteous but understanding because of the grace that we have received at the cross Christ makes us disciples and has called us to live the life he has lived. He wants us to take up our cross. He want our commitment. He wants us to show the world what Kingdom people are like.
The questions I have are we teaching the members in our congregations, Christians to be holy, to live a committed life in Christ? Are we preaching Christian virtues and character that Christ expects from us? Are we preaching a respect for God and Christ as we have that daily relationship? Do we understand how costly that the grace of God is that we dare say, "join us hypocrites." Does Christ want Christ want to be hypocrites to the world? Is that how we make a difference? What does that do to the world and the Church? How does it harm? Do Christians know what it means to be holy in our world today?
Yes we do sin and make mistakes, slip up, but we must keep in step with the Spirit. Walk in the light as he is in the light. (1Jn). The world needs to see the difference between us and them. Let us offer them the grace and love of God that they see in us.
What do you think?
Share your thoughts.
posted by preacherman @ 11:17:00 AM
13 Comments:
Good question. I recently read a book titled "The Churching of America (1776-2005)". One of the key points of that book is a recurring pattern in churches through history. Churches that are in tension with the culture around them grow. Churches that become like the culture around them die. It's hard to say which is the cause and which is the effect, but I don't think it is a coincidence. The church has to stand for something. The members have to live lives that are different from the world around them. If not I think God will let that church die and will start with someone else who is willing not to be in love with the world.
In the past 25 years has the world started looking more like the church or has the church started looking more like the world?
Romans 12:1-2
Sorry, I know you're supposed ask the questions?
G. K. Chesterton said what we need is not a Church that moves with the world, but a Church that moves the world.
Alan,
Thank you for sharing this information. It is very intersting. Sounds like a great read and so true. I do believe that we still sin now and then but God has called His children, the Church to a higher calling Christ. If the you look at the function of the Church in the New Testament which believe we need to focus on restoring to make the real difference. It is living opposite the world. Col. 3:1-12. Romans 8:1-17. Gal.5. and countless other passages.
Alan can you share the Author and where we might get the book.
Thanks again for adding to this discussion. It is greatly appreciated.
Trey,
It is okay to ask questions? :-) And a great question you ask. I believe it is the church is looking more like the world. Romans 12:1-2 does call us to be living sacrifices all the time, 24/7.
I am not for isolation from the world we are to make a difference. Be the salt on the wounded flesh of the sinful world. Be light in the darkness. We are show the world we are diciples by our love.
I know you have most likely heard the quote "I don't go to church becuase it is full of hypocrites." The response, "Well, why not come join us that what we are."
Are we really hypocrites? Gal 5:1 tells us to be imitators of God.
I understand that I sin as a minister and Christian. I mess up. I make mistakes. But Romans 8 tells me to live life according to the Spirit of God. Are we preaching and teaching our members how to do just that?
May we never start looking like the world. As Jesus tells His disciples don't be suprised if the world hates you because it hated me first.
Great question brother. Thanks for asking and getting me to think. I like that!
Japhy,
I love that quote.
Thanks for adding to the discussion.
Good post. Our preacher Saturday night talked about the Holy Spirit, and how He helps us to live and walk deeper with Christ.
Hi preacherman,
Here's the book on amazon
The first chapter is basically talking about the statistical approach they took in the study, so it may be a bit dry depending on your interests. The remainder of the book is totally fascinating if you are interested in church history.
PM; try as I may I just can't seem to achieve holiness.
Thanks for the reminder ... we are to be holy.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentien
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