All our efforts like visiting a Holy Land, undertaking a pilgrimage, taking a dip in a particular water source or worshiping at a particular temple doesn’t make us holy. In the quest of holiness, mankind has reached places – both high and deep, but has failed to attain the Holiness that is desired by God. Because Holiness is not an external cleansing but it begins inside us – right in our hearts. Our heart will determine the status of our spirituality.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8 NIV
We may be preaching great sermons, writing great messages, teaching spiritual lessons or doctrines, talking in spiritual jargons, wearing white clothes with spiritual symbols, but if there is darkness deep inside in our hearts – we are far away from the Holiness that is defined in God’s standards.
““You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 NLT
A couple of thoughts:
1. Standards of Holiness : God is calling us to live a life of holiness. While praying the Lord’s Prayer, we say – “Your Kingdom come” – God’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of Holiness. If we call ourselves citizens of God’s Kingdom and heir of the Godly Inheritance, then we must strive to attain the Holiness of God. This is the mandate for every single believer. And it begins in our hearts. “….anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Only we and our God are witnesses of every single thought that runs in our hearts. Let us understand the seriousness of God’s expectation about the “Standards of Holiness”.
2. Symphony of Holiness : “Symphony of Holiness” refers to the comprehensive and harmonious display of God’s perfect and pure nature, encompassing all His attributes like love, justice and mercy and the process of believers becoming holy by being separated from sin and dedicated to God. A believer’s life can reflect this symphony of holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit. We thank God for His Holy Spirit, who alerts, reminds and guides us in these matters if we let him take control of our hearts.
As I close this morning, I would like to encourage each one of us to pray the prayer of King David in Psalms 51:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalms 51:10-12 NIV
Amen 🙏
