Be holy, because I am holy

My home page on my computer is Yahoo, and every time I open it, there is a list of the latest headlines from around the world.  There is another section on the page that lists the "most watched" people.   It got me to thinking...we are so obcessed with celebrity and success in this culture, but what's the purpose?
 
If success and celebrity are so important then all those accomplishments should have lasting value.  So let me ask....
 
Who won the Academy Award for best actor the last five years? 
What movie won the Academy Award for best movie?
Who won the last five Super Bowls?
Who much did you lose in the stock market in the last month?
 
It reminded me how fleeting all this stuff really is and how little value it has.  I was studying 1 Peter the other day and in vs. 15-25 St. Paul describes our highest goal as believers.  You might be surprised at what it is?  Success? Recognition? How about Holiness?  In v. 15-16, Paul says, "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."
 
When I hear the word "holy" I think being sinless, and striving for perfection, and other images like that.  I then think, "well...that's impossible!  So why even try?  But what I think Paul is saying is not, "be perfect and sinless" because that's impossible.  I'm a sinner, and way far from anything close to perfect.  Ask my wife and kids, ask the people I work with.
 
What IS possible is for me to rethink the goals of my life.  What is my highest goal? How do I want to act and conduct my life?  
 
I want to display the character and heart of Jesus.  I want to see God more in every situation.  I want to model Christ's love in my actions.  I want to express more joy and thankfulness each day. Will I ever achieve it perfectly?  No way, but God's Holy Spirit has given me a desire to grow in my faith and be more like Jesus in the way I speak...the way I act...the decisions I make.  That's my desire, but I need God's help each and every day.   
 
So much of my growth comes from learning from other Christians who are growing in their faith as well.  If you have any suggestions for me how God is leading you, please contact me.
 
In Christ Jesus,
 
Pastor Steve Henze
 
Revelation 2:10
 
Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 by Steve Henze

4 comments (Add your own)

1. Chris wrote:
There are a TON of people out there who have acquired a lot of wisdom and experience, and they have recorded it for us in books, so that we can benefit from their experiences. I find a lot of guidance and encouragement through these authors - people who really are experiencing God at work in their lives in very real ways, and who are sharing how God has done that work.

I also have grown a lot simply by spending time with other Christians who are on this same journey, talking with them about what they have learned and how they learned it. We struggle with questions together and search the Bible together and pray together. I wish I had more of that kind of time.

October 21, 2008 @ 11:25 PM

2. PJ wrote:
I agree with Chris - though you know how great I am about reading books! I especially like the personal time with others on the journey - just talking about it.

I think I Cor 10:5 is a key - we are to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". That means every word that comes from my mouth, every action, every thought behind the words and actions, etc. To think of how that might honor God, and to ask for the Holy Spirit to lead me to think, do and say the right things. Yeah, sure, I'm not there. But it is part of my prayer every day.

The danger is becoming a Pharisee. So, that is part of my prayer, too. I want to be obedient and honor and glorify God, but not legalistic. I always have to remember that it isn't me "TRYING" to be more holy, but allowing His holiness to flow through my thoughts, my actions and my words by the power of the Holy Spirit.

October 22, 2008 @ 11:11 AM

3. PJ wrote:
typo - that is II Cor 10:5 - caught it too late

October 22, 2008 @ 11:16 AM

4. Steve Henze wrote:
I agree with both PJ and Chris. I too think we learn best when we study and search God's Word together, encourage each other, and pray together seeking God's heart and will for us. That's why I love the church, even with all it's flaws, is a place where I have seen people who love, encourage, support, and pray for each other. It is vital for us to clearly teach God's Word, but also for us to support each other in our attempt to put it into practice.

I also strongly agree with PJ that we can't TRY to be 'holy." It's impossible in my flesh to accomplish that, but I do pray that God's Spirit will help me to grow in my walk to be more like Jesus. As Hebrews reminds us, "Let's keep encouraging each other all the more as the Day approaches."

November 4, 2008 @ 3:43 PM

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