1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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.”

This passage appears to be ignored by a remarkable percentage of church members today. Statistics from America, at any rate, indicate that the TV viewing, clothing, Internet usage and the like of church members is virtually indistinguishable from those who are not church members. Frankly, it casts doubt on those church members’ salvation. We need to remember that we are not just saved to heaven, we are saved from the world. When we forget that, we no longer function as salt and light in society, and Jesus said when that happens we are “no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13) Ouch! Several years ago Don Francisco came out with a song that included the line, “Holiness. It’s the Lord’s command, not the Lord’s request.” Sadly, some people equate holiness with long faces and sour dispositions, when nothing could be further from the truth. Being holy doesn’t take the fun from life, it saves you from all the hangovers! All sin is ultimately destructive, but it wouldn’t be a temptation if it didn’t provide some short-term rewards. The problem is in having enough maturity to hold out for the greater, future reward. A tolerance for delayed gratification is almost universally recognized as a primary indicator of maturity. Submitting to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7) is an indicator of spiritual maturity. In commanding holiness God isn’t being mean, He is pointing us to the greatest possible peace, satisfaction, and joy that are available to us as His children.

In counseling couples and in teaching on parenting I often talk about how selfishness never leads to happiness; it can only give momentary pleasure. Selfish people are very poor at resisting temptation! I find that a remarkable percentage of emotional and even mental problems come from the person having a mirror perched a few inches in front of their nose, so to speak. When they can’t see anyone but themselves, the lack of perspective throws them off pretty badly. I’ve tasted that myself, and know that the ultimate key to mental and emotional health is found in Hebrews 12:2. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” When I find myself tempted to be less than holy, this is the answer. When I find myself overwhelmed by circumstances, this is the answer. When I find myself anxious about the future, this is the answer. It is the perfect antidote to selfishness. At the same time, when I realize that Jesus went through all He did specifically for me, I am given an assurance of God’s love that can carry me through anything.

Father, thank You indeed for Your overwhelming love. Thank You that You are indeed holy, and You enable me to be holy. Thank You for the joy and peace You provide that can be had no other way. Thank You that I can have that joy and peace even in the middle of a miserable cold, as I am right now. Thank You for all You are doing in and around me, on more levels than I am aware. Help me be fully yielded and available to You at all times, so that as Your holy servant I may do Your will in Your power on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!