Take Time To Be Holy

Bible Thought for the Week

1 Peter 1:15-16 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

One of the best descriptions of life that I have come across is one that says, “Life is our dressing room for eternity”. We know that one day we are going to shed these earthly bonds, this weak, frail tabernacle will be dissolved (Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:1). We know that one day the heavens will pass away, this earth and all the works in it will melt with fervent hear (2 Pet. 3:10). We know that one day, in just a moment, a twinkling of the eye, we will be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52). There is nothing permanent on this earth and it is not our permanent dwelling place (1 Pet.2:11). We know that one day we will stand at the judgment seat of God (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12). Since all of these things are absolute truth, they should influence us to  holy lives as we prepare to depart this world. Only by living lives of holiness will we be able to look with great anticipation and joy for that day to come Phil. 1:20-21, Phil. 3:13-14).

Now comes a most intriguing question: What would you say are the marks of a holy life? Allow me to suggest three things in response to that question. A holy life is one that is dedicated to God, one that is disciplined by God and one that is distinctive for God (Rom. 12:1; Heb. 12:5-13; 1 Pet. 2:9). Is this not a most appropriate description of all those heroes of faith spoken of in Hebrews 11? A life that is dedicated to God, disciplined by God and distinctive for God is truly priceless.

Some of the keys to a holy life are found in one of the beautiful hymns we often sing: “Take Time To Be Holy”, “Speak oft with thy Lord” (1 Thess. 5:17, Rom. 12:12)—“Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone” (Matt. 6:6)—“Forgetting in nothing his blessing to seek” (Matt. 7:7, Phil. 4:6-7, Heb. 4:16)—“And feed on his word” (2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Pet. 2:2)—“Let him be thy guide” (Jer. 10:23, 2 Tim. 3:16-17)—“In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord” (Rom. 8:28)—“Each thought and each motive under his control” (Col. 3:1-2, 16)—“Help those who are weak” (Rom. 15:1, Gal. 6:1-2)—“Abide in him always” (John 8:31, 2 John 8-9)—“Thus led by his Spirit to fountains of love, thou soon shalt be fitted for service above” (2 Tim. 4:6-8, Rev 14:13).

There will be obstacles placed in our way in order to prevent us from being holy, the devil will see to that (1 Pet. 5:8) but with God on our side, we will overcome all obstacles and one day gain the greatest victory imaginable (Rom. 8:31, 1 Cor. 10:13, 1 Cor. 15:57).

Charles Hicks