You’re back! By reading the subject line and opening this devotional may I assume that you not only desire holiness but are looking for it? Wonderful! Let’s search the Scriptures and see what we find.

Holiness is another word for sanctification which means being set apart. Set apart from what? For what? As a born-again Christian you repented of your old lifestyle and are on the path to righteousness through the saving work of the Cross of Jesus Christ and the Indwelling Holy Spirit. We are on a journey towards perfection in Christlikeness. To be like Christ there are some actions and attitudes that are acceptable unto the Lord. The Apostle Paul addressed this in his second letter to Timothy:

    “Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:14-26)

Paul is teaching Timothy the difference between approved and disapproved workers (which is the subtitle of this passage in my Bible). Let’s break this apart and see what we find.

First, strife is not allowed. Striving “about words to no profit” might make the speaker feel gratified but it is “to the ruin of the hearers.” Too many “mature” and “steeped in the Word” Christians use their knowledge as a sledge hammer to shatter anything and everything that does not agree with their doctrinal and/or political points of view. Sometimes, albeit rarely, a sledgehammer is needed to shatter crystallized Christians, but more often than not it causes great damage to the Body of Christ edifying nothing but themselves. Trust me from someone who knows; it takes one to know one. May the Lord make me slow to speak!

Second, it should be in the forefront of all we do to receive God’s stamp of approval on our day’s service for the Lord. And not being ashamed does not only mean not being ashamed of the gospel, but also not being ashamed of how we minister to the flock. Those called to pastor and those called to leadership positions in the church must be especially careful of how they use God’s Word while ministering to the flock.

    “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart…” (Psalm 78:72a)

Third, and this is so very important and I plead guilty to this in my past. We are not run our mouths in such a way that it increases strife among the brethren and spreads like a cancer. We are at our sanctimonious best when our words seem so profound and active and Paul warns us that they can be profane and idle. What we see as brilliance in our words are often viewed as babbling. When we partake in such conduct we can actually overthrow the faith of our weaker brothers and sisters. I cannot imagine God approving of this no matter the amount of conviction we have.

Fourth, we are to cleanse ourselves from dishonorable conduct; in the military that will get you discharged without honor. In the Kingdom of God it desecrates the Body of Christ. We are to consecrate ourselves in devotion to Christ bringing glory to the Father in all we do. That’s is what Paul was exhorting the Roman church to do:

    “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

Fifth, we are to stop acting as we did before we got saved, as though we are still children or youth. We are to avoid nonsensical arguing and quarrelling at all cost:

    “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9)

Have you ever found yourself, after coming out of a big argument or discussion (whatever you describe it as), saying to yourself, “That was a complete waste of my time and it got me nowhere!” Hence the terms “unprofitable and useless.”

Last and just as important, if not more so. Those who are leaders in the church must not be drawn into arguments and become harsh with our words. We are required to be gentle to all, with great patience. Have you ever noticed how ineffective you become in trying to teach or get your point across when you are angry. Good reason! We are to in all humility correct those who are opposing the Word of God and pray that God will bring them to repentance.

Oh and speaking of humility, be sure you’re not wearing your badge of humility proudly. If you’re constantly telling someone how humble you are you’re probably not. Just sayin!

Beloved, I struggle everyday with putting others before myself. I want people to agree with me. I want people to say yes to all I’m saying. If that is your lot then you are not surrounded by saints but sycophants. Each of us needs godly brothers and sisters who will lovingly rebuke us when needed.

    “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Holiness is hard work, that’s why it’s left to the Holy Spirit. My job, your job, is to get out of His way and let Him have His way.

When you do that, then you will find holiness.

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2011 David Jeffers

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