At the moment I am reading Holiness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges.
I started the book again actually so I could really reflect on the writing and discover for about this concept - Holiness. I've had the privilege to attend Youth Brengle last year (A Holiness retreat) and so I already know about Holiness.
'Strive for...the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.'
Hebrews 12:14
That was the verse from Tuesday the topic - Holiness and Grace. Jerry Bridges talks about how the pursuit of holiness must be anchored in the grace of God, otherwise it is doomed to fail.
For me, holiness isn't about being perfect but about living Christ-like everyday, being aware of your thoughts, your actions and the words that come out of your mouth. Holiness is to be set-apart, I want to be different.
Holiness to me is about being obedient. I have had so many obstacles when I have tried to share about holiness with friends. I don't know enough to really explain in depth what I have learned and it's quite frustrating for me, because I get so excited about the concept of living a life without sin that I want everyone around me know it and live it! I understand it's hard to comprehend, we sin, I get it. We may try not to sin and we fall short - I don't believe this is a reason not to try.
I think people have already made up their minds and have accepted that they are a sinner - that we all are, even though this is true, with the grace of God and if we truly strive for holiness I believe it is achievable. I don't even know where the verse is in the Bible but doesn't it say somewhere that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me?
I could even ask myself - How much do I really want to be holy? I know God has started convicting me of things in my life as I am discovering my holiness journey. I know he will for you to, it may not even be sins in your life but things that are just not beneficial in our lives.
Maybe, I just have child-like faith. I believe I can achieve holiness in my life - I know I can only do it because of Christ who strengthens me and by the grace of God.
I may not be there yet, but I choose God everyday.
