For January I chose to read the book "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. Normally we approach the idea of holiness as if it is all about trying to fit into a certain spectrum of rules and regulations to make ourselves look and feel better - as if that is some way to gain approval from God. I was again reminded of the importance of living in the reality of Christ's righteousness. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I do not have to rely on my own good works, but upon the finished work of my Savior on Calvary. No amount of following a set of rules will get me any closer to holiness.
There are three main ideas of holiness that have been particularly challenging to me this month.
#1. Obedience. Holiness is really just obedience in what God has called us to do. We are to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). I will be holy when I humbly walk in obedience to what God has clearly laid out in Scripture. I am so thankful that God has revealed what He expects of us. This obedience also is very closely tied with the need for submission to the Holy Spirit.
#2. Faith. Holiness is all about faith. My obedience/holiness will be tested when I approach an instruction in God's Word. Will I believe that what God says is actually true? Will I then respond in obedience knowing that God is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do?
#3. Joy. Praise the Lord that He has not made the pursuit of holy daily living a tedious, impossible task. It truly is a joy to walk in holiness. God knows what He is talking about when He calls all believers to lead holy lives. This joy also comes out of love for God. We will obey because we love Him, and we will then have more love flowing from our lives as a reward for obeying.
God is so good! I am thankful that God has called me to be a holy man of God. It is my desire to humbly obey Him. So training for godliness includes a pursuit of holiness. And that is a pursuit that I am committed to taking up. Not only for 2013 - but for a lifetime.
