Walking Toward Holiness-by Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: October 25, 2020
Every morning is a battle for many people. Between the times the alarm goes off and feet hit the floor, life is consumed with things that need to happen that day. With left over fatigue from the previous day, combined with the present looming “to-do” list, life conspires to be overwhelming and wants to beat us down. Where in the day is there time, energy or focus to walk toward holiness? But the Bible is clear and tells us: “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God–who chose you to be his children-is holy. For he himself has said, “You must be holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NLT).
You must be holy because I am holy.
Wow, that’s earth shattering isn’t it? With all our secret longings, striving to be known through our human striving, endeavours and sinful flesh that wants what it wants, how do we encounter a holy God? For God is holy. Re-read the story of Moses and the burning bush where God says to Moses, “Do not come any closer…for you are standing on holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). God is so holy that the people at the bottom of Mount Sinai trembled with fear for God told them they could not cross the boundary to touch the mountain. So then when the Bible tells us to be holy in everything we do-how do we do that?
How do we walk toward holiness?
The Bible makes it clear in in Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we are “to give your bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice, and not to “copy the behavior and customs of this world…but let God transform you…” See there is the key. We cannot do this on our own, we need the Holy Spirit to fill us and guide is with every breath and step.
It’s not about wearing the right clothes, abstaining from
certain things, wearing a mask or no mask or being rich or poor. Once we truly desire to become holy and be obedient to God, we submit our “to do” list with open hands and heart to the Holy Spirit. Learn to enjoy his presence, and linger with words of affection and gratitude. Let the Holy Spirit shape your internal environment and the outer backdrop will take care of itself. Swear words will diminish. Relationships will heal and become harmonious and joyful. Decisions are made from a God centered perspective and fearful obstacles lose their power. Enjoy the presence of his company and without realizing it you’re walking toward holiness. A place where his desires become your desires and where love takes precedence over being right.
Where love takes precedence over being right.
It’s a beautiful thing when we realize that “without him we can do nothing.” So don’t even strive to be holy. It will leave you frustrated with feelings of failure and self-condemnation. Pray and ask for the Holy Spirit to invade every part of your life, every moment of the day toward holiness. He will guide you step by step. One day we’ll be able to look back and see God’s holy hand lovingly guiding us toward holiness.
3 responses to “Walking Toward Holiness-by Heidi McLaughlin”
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I look back and can see God’s hand all over my life even during the time I was not walking close with Him. I am so thankful for His faithfulness.
Thank God for His Faithfulness to us. He understands that we are but dust. He loves us so much.
Thank God for His Faithfulness. He knows more than we know ourselves. He understand us ii our weaknesses. Thank you❤️