Holiness

Holiness is a tough topic. Hard to understand. The line between our works and faith, and trusting in the work of Jesus gets blurred some times.

I was listening to a book on CD this week and there was a line about “depending on your own works.” Honestly, I forget the exact wording and setting, but I burst into tears, struck by His holiness.

There is nothing I can do to earn grace, buy holiness, win love. It’s all on Him.

Song of Solomon 2

7 Where do you pasture your flock,
Where do you make it lie down at noon?
For why should I be like one who veils herself
Beside the flocks of your companions?”

8“If you yourself do not know,
Most beautiful among women,
Go forth on the trail of the flock
And pasture your young goats
By the tents of the shepherds.

Here Jesus tells the work weary-never-say-no Believer to only do the things He’s called them to do under the authority of the church.

“Go forth on the trail of the flock” means hang out with other Believers.

“And pasture your young goats” means only do the things I’ve called you to do.

“By the tents of the shepherds” means stay under church government.

What we do is work so hard, serve on every committee, never say no because it seems that works proves our faith and righteousness.

But then we are so tired, or jaded, or weary, we lose sight of the One we are trying to please, Jesus.

Holiness isn’t what we do, it’s who we are because of what He’s done. I know at times I’ve felt, “I’m okay with God because I’ve done this, this or this.”

But really, I’m only okay because He died and rose again.

So, be holy because He is holy, but trust in His work, not your own. Find that balance of doing and being.

Remember to keep the favorite one challenge. Be humble, yet confident in love!