Never underestimate the wisdom of those who came before us. Today’s messaging is slick, and the messengers are even slicker, but most of what passes for wisdom these days is fluff and void of any scriptural moorings. There is great value to be gleaned from those voices from the past. Consider this from the writings of J. C. Ryle:
“Sin never announces itself to us with its full intentions. It never says, ‘I am your deadly enemy and I want to ruin you forever in Hell’. It shows its pleasure but hides its pain; shows its sparkle, but hides its death.” None of us is immune from sin’s deception. To survive, we must heed the Lord’s command to be holy, just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
To be holy seems as impossible as being perfect. It’s a standard so lofty none of us can ever achieve it. But we can get closer. Our mindset must be to come closer to holiness every day we live. We must endeavor to live every day without compromise. That’s not an impossibility, but it will take more discipline than most of us have. It’s easier to rationalize why a little sin here and there won’t devastate our lives or hinder our witness. The truth is sin, in any shape or form, will kill you. Every sin damns you to Hell (Romans 6:23; James 1:15). Praise God for His mercy and grace and the covering of our sin with the blood of His Son Jesus (Ephesians 1:7-8; 1 John 1:7).
That Jesus forgives our sins is no excuse to continue sinning (Romans 6:1-2). Too many people think they don’t have to worry about sin because their salvation is secure in Christ. Why then did Jesus say He would turn away many who claim Him as Lord (Matthew 7:21-23)? Saying a prayer doesn’t make you a Christian; plenty of people pray. Fearing God or believing in Him doesn’t make you a Christian either; even the demons believe (James 2:19). True Christians are those who experience transformation to the core of their souls through the incredible power of the Holy Spirit. One becomes a Christian when they bow their knee to the Lordship of Christ and surrender everything to the King of Kings (Romans 10:9-10; Luke 9:23).
True surrender of our will is a prerequisite for us ever achieving holiness. We will never experience victory in life until we stop playing for both sides (Matthew 6:24). To be holy means we offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). We recognize it is no longer we who live, but Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:19-20). Everything we once knew is gone forever (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are a new creation in Jesus (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Every compromise of holiness is a sin (James 4:17). Every time we choose the things of this world over the commands of God, we are sinning (1 John 2:15-17). When God commands us to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2), He was serious. Holiness isn’t just a suggested guideline; it is the standard the Holy God demands.
We must never consider personal holiness a trivial thing. It is something we must pursue with diligence every moment of our lives (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:7). Whenever Satan tempts you to compromise or sin, remember how dangerous the consequences always are. Sin is never the delight it promises to be, but holiness always delivers everything it promises. You won’t find lasting satisfaction in sin, but you will find salvation in surrendering to the holiness of God. Reject sin at every occasion, and be holy as He is holy.