Anyone who is paying attention will know our churches are becoming increasingly weak and ineffective. Leadership that is lacking in theological depth and understanding is certainly rampant, but perhaps the bigger problem is the lack of personal holiness among the congregation. Although it is the pastor’s job to exposit and explain the Word each time he steps behind the pulpit, pursuing Christ on a day-to-day basis is the responsibility of every attendee.
Without such a commitment, the finest preacher or most gifted shepherd will not be able to lead a group of believers into a deeply committed relationship with Christ. Each of us bears the responsibility of seeking to know and obey our savior better. For this reason, I want to do a brief but deeper dive into personal holiness.
Personal holiness demands we continue in God’s Word
There is no better way we can know God than to be and stay in His Word. Jesus said if we continue in His Word, we are truly His disciples (John 8:31-32). When we are in His Word, we will know the truth, and it is the truth that sets us free from the bondage of sin and death. Daily reading and study of scripture will cause us to become more like Jesus. The more you immerse yourself in Him, the more His spirit will flow out of you. Paul encouraged Timothy that if he would continue saturating himself in the Word of God, he would be complete and equipped for everything the Lord gave him to do. (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Personal holiness requires we remain in Christ
It is possible for some to appear to be in Christ, but then fall away. We see it every day in some of the biggest churches in our land. Men whom we once looked to for biblical instruction are abandoning the plain teaching of God’s Word and some are walking away from their faith altogether. While it is both disappointing and discouraging, we must recognize we were told long ago this would happen (1 John 2:18-19). Those who appear to walk away from God were never part of His body at all, but were merely deceivers sent to lead the flock astray (2 John 1:7-11). Those who love Christ will continue to abide in Him (1 John 2:3-6). We must refuse every opportunity to go another way, for we know there is no way other than Jesus (John 14:6).
Personal holiness insists on drawing clear lines
If we want to be the person God intends us to be, we must put aside all compromise and rationalization. There are no blurred lines when it comes to living out our faith. Personal holiness is about sharp lines that are clean and clearly defined. We do not wander across these guardrails to see what’s on the other side. God has plainly delineated what is and is not acceptable for those who would follow Him. He is not vague. Any haziness about what is pure and right comes from our sinful desires. Draw your lines where the Bible clearly instructs you to and refuse to cross them.
Revival begins with Personal holiness
We can lament all day about how wicked this world has become. Indeed, many are diligently praying for a revival to sweep our country and our world. To that I say yes and amen! What we must recognize is that revival will not come unless the followers of Jesus banish sin from their lives and commit to the standard of personal holiness God has revealed in His Word. If we aren’t willing to sanctify our hearts, how can the Lord sanctify His Church?
Be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-29). Do not compromise with the ways of this world and chase after its fleeting pleasures. If we love the things of this world, we do not love our Father in Heaven (1 John 2:15). Strive to never grieve the Holy Spirit with the way you live (Ephesians 4:25-30). Seek Him every day; let the desire for personal holiness burn from deep within and never turn away from the One who died so that we might live.