Last week, we discussed why God considers holiness to be our reasonable service. In summary, we stated that because of the new birth, every believer has the capacity to be holy. Our study also revealed that holiness is something we have already, not something we strive to obtain. Nevertheless, we cannot just keep holiness on the inside. It must eventually become an outward expression.
There are several reasons for this. However, one reason prevails above all others: our holiness is what draws others to God. Consider the following scripture: “Let your light so shine, before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Clearly, our holy living is what glorifies God to unbelievers. Please understand, however, that holiness in not necessarily dependent upon what we wear (though admittedly some Christians—men included—could dress a little more holy). Holiness is manifested in our conduct, in the way we behave. For instance, the way we respond to criticism, disappointment, and rejection is an indication of whether or not we are walking in holiness. Facing ridicule, dealing with adversity, and confronting temptation are all opportunities to outwardly express holiness.
In short, holiness is not necessarily manifested through long hours of prayer and fasting. The greatest opportunity for holiness is in the routine of everyday life. Of course, I am not downplaying the importance of prayer and fasting. I am simply emphasizing that holiness is something we do everyday. We often feel holier-than-thou because we are able to fast and pray or because we attend church regularly. However, we fail to consider that how we treat people on a daily basis is as much a part of holiness as prayer and fasting. In fact, it might be the most important part. Our praying and fasting are not often heralded before men. However, whether we like it or not, our actions always meet with the criticism of men. If our actions are not holy—i.e., compliant with the Word of God—they could turn men away from God.
Surely, you’ve heard someone say, “If Christians act like that, then I don’t want to be one.” You might have even felt that way yourself. The bottom line is that how we behave matters. The irony is that the prayer, fasting and church attendance that we hold up like medals and which should inspire us to holy living, so often do not. Next week, we’ll look further into how to transfer holiness from the inside (where it does no one any good but us) to the outside (where it causes men to glorify God and desire to serve Him). For now, please understand that our outward expression of holiness is one of the greatest ways we witness for our Father. Do you remember Romans 12:1 from last week, which admonished us to holiness as a reasonable service? Well, consider Romans 12: 2: “And be not conformed to this world.” If you are holy (or set apart) unto God, you will not be conformed to this world. So this is simply another way the writer admonishes us to be holy. And what is the reason for such admonishing: “…that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Our holiness is what makes the will of God visible to men. At the risk of sounding clichéd, you might be the only Bible an unbeliever reads.
What confidence God has in us that He would trust us as purveyors of His Will. Let’s show him, through our consistent outward expression of holiness, that His confidence is not misplaced.
God bless you and may you strive to hear and obey his voice always.
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