Holiness, what is it?

Holiness defn: set aside to God, for God, by God.

OK, I thought. How in the heck do I write about this as “no one is holy, no not one…  for we have all sinned and fallen short” (Rom 3:23)? In my despair, the Holy Spirit reminded me that first off salvation doesn’t come from my own works, but through my faith in Christ (Eph 2:8).

Jesus said of Himself, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life – no one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6)

First, my walk as a Christian isn’t a long list of ‘dos and don’ts’. I should think of it instead as a journey, a journey to follow Christ on this… ‘the most beautiful way’ (1 Cor 12:31). Holiness only comes from God, and through God.

Second, I was being called on a journey to follow.

And finally, that I my life was no longer my own.

I had to pause and meditate on that last one for a long moment.

I am God’s – heart, body and soul.

You are God’s– heart, body and soul.

You and I, are not our own. We don’t own our own lives.

I am not my own. You are not your own. We are Christ’s.

My prayer then changed from it’s standard ‘laundry list’ to instead a pretty simple and short one.

‘Lord, help me to set aside my thoughts, actions and walk today, for you.’

Elaine