Holiness......

Over the past few months, something has begun to stir in me, something that I really believe God has placed on my heart for a reason. What does it mean to be holy? In 2 Corinthians 6:17 - 7:1, Paul says:

"Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.
I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and
daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

Also, in Ephesians 4 Paul speaks about us putting on the “new” self that is created to share in God’s holiness. Isn’t it amazing that as born again Christians, we are created to share in His holiness?!! The next passage is what really gets me fired up though. Ephesians 4:29-32 says:

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

It grieves my spirit to hear some of the things that come out of Christians mouths these days, without any regard to whom they are speaking about. I am just as guilty. What we think of as funny, or harmless teasing is actually the very thing that is keeping us from true holiness. We really need to start speaking destiny into our brothers and sisters. Encouraging them when they are discouraged. Holding them up when they don’t have the strength to stand on their own. Correcting and restoring in love when they fall into the traps of sin. Not belittling someone for the way they dress, or the way they do their hair, or the way they talk... the list could go on and on.

God is looking for a generation that will seek his face in holiness and truth. A generation of warriors that are not afraid to stand in righteousness and integrity. And if He is calling us, let’s not be held back by our fun and games.....

~Jared

P.S. Isn't Presbrytery awsome?! : )