Holiness...For Me?

Oh. My. Goodness!

I have been pushing a book around, from place to place, from stack to stack for almost a year. A friend bought three of these books for our Monday morning group sharing/prayer time.

Because of one circumstance after another, the reading/study of the book never got off the ground. In fact, our group had to cease our weekly meeting because of too much BUSY-ness! What a shame...and shame on us!

On a whim, I picked the book up to take on a recent road trip; just to keep my mind occupied.

Are you curious?

The book is "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges. The synopsis of the book reads: "Be holy, for I am holy", commands God to His people. But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian's daily life. According to Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. He (J. Bridges) helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do....and what we should accept as responsibility for ourselves."

I have done a lot of reading in the Bible but I think that I have missed the part about holiness within myself....just completely glazed right over it!!

ME? HOLY? No way...

But at the beginning of each chapter there is a scripture reference about being holy. For example:

Chapter 2, 1 Peter 1:15-16

"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."

I confess. My concept of holiness within the professing Christian has always induced images to mind of "bunned hair, long skirts, black hose, no make-up or jewelry, and holier than thou facial expressions.

How, then, does one acquire holiness? It isn't zapped on us by God. It's a partnership with God with us assuming all our responsibilities.

"Surely, God hasn't commanded us to be holy without providing the means to be holy".

For those desiring to understand and grow in holiness, this book is highly recommended.