holiness

What is holy? God. What is righteous? God ...I find it amazing that through what Jesus did through His death and resurrection that we are considered righteous through Christ.

I have been thinking on holiness. I have looked around and observed many Christians trying to live a holy life. Most of it is so focused on trying to stay away from the world and trying to be separate. No movies or at least no rated R flicks. No video games, TV, newspapers, secular music and so on. Some go even more radical..no pants, no make up, head coverings, and so on.

I grew up with a very strict up-bringing. The Wizard of OZ was considered evil due to the witches in it. Smurfs were from the pit of hell and Christian music was only allowed. So when I did go to public school...i felt very silly. I know that my parents were trying to shield me from the World. Still..I ended up seeing many of the "no" movies just from hanging out with friends and even sometimes from Youth Group outings. It worked at home..but once I left the house...well..

I went through a point where I did live a double life. Home, I was one way..school another. Trying to fit in. I never really rebelled...as I loved the Lord too much..but I did have to wonder why? Why not? I had heard some secular songs that were really good. I know that not doing the world stuff made me "feel" holy...but what about the inside of me? Was I loving? Was I sharing, kind, peaceful? Did I bring people together? Did I show the love of Christ without a word spoken? I am sure there were a few years that it would have been a huge undertaking to find any evidence to convict me as a Christian.

I have to say..I do think it very important what we see and hear. That is another post!! But!! If you think that you are holy because of all the stuff you don't do..then you are sadly mistaken. First...the only reason you are any holy or righteous is totally because of God and it isn't based on how many times you go to church or tell someone about Jesus. God did it while you were "yet a sinner"! So...get off your high horse thinking you are better than all because you never see a movie with swearing in it! :)

You want to change? This is the scripture you need.......

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

What does it mean? It means that the only change you are going to see on the outside will only be seen once you change the inside..your MIND! If you walk around with a negative mind..that is what you will be. NO ONE does anything..good or bad..without first thinking on it..a lot!! :) So to change..is all about what you put in your mind and allow in your thinking.

The most holy people are kind and good to people, and are walking in the love of God. From experience...I know few "holiness" people that are kind. Most are very legalistic. This is what causes people to run from God. Rules, regulations, and religion. It is the the love of God that leads people to repentance. People will want to live for the Lord..set aside worldly things..without a fight...if they first change their thinking combined with a deep and strong relationship with God Himself.

If you focus on changing a person from the outside in..you will only see a frustrated person that turns from the faith eventually or lives a very mediocre, weak faith. I think that is why we see so many turning from the Lord.

melanie