Holy is in popularity only 10% of words. Holy is one of the least used terms or adjectives to describe a woman. We are called a lot of things but rarely does anyone describe us as holy. Why is that? New Testament letters are often addressed to holy brothers and sisters. Could it be that the word “holy” is not understood and is an attribute only reserved for God? Are we not called to be a “holy” people; set apart by God; dedicated to His global purpose; divinely commissioned and empowered by His grace and devoted to all that is righteous?
“To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse.” Col. 1:2.3 Who is the holy brother? Not everyone is a “holy” brother or sister. Elisabeth Elliott said, “We are women, and my plea is… Let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is.” The “holy” issue is even addressed in our wedding vows…we are “joined together in the bonds of holy matrimony”
Holiness is a command and a calling. Leslie Ludy wrote to all of us moms and grandmas regarding this important decision and I quote:
“God does not want:
· a girl who trifles with Christianity.
· A girl who prays tepid, lukewarm prayers
· A girl who is self-adorning with the latest fashion and trends
· A girl who dishonors and belittles her parents or husband
· A girl whose Bible is an accessory to her wardrobe
· A girl whose tongue is a deceptive weapon of pride and selfishness
God does want:
· A woman who is radically given to Christ
· A woman who lives in defiance of the powers of Hell
· A woman adorned with the inner jewelry of Christ given holiness
· A woman who honors the authorities God has placed in her life and serves them with charity and gladness
· A woman who hungers and thirsts to know the Lord and who diligently feasts on His Word
· A woman whose words drip with the honey of the name of Jesus.
I Thess. 4:7 “God did not call us to be impure, but to live a HOLY life.”
“Ironically, those most holy are the least likely to see themselves that way”. Mark Buchana “The greatest test of our holiness is whether it produces humility in us. The holiest will be the humblest”. Andrew Murray Our greatest enemy is pride and selfishness…the wicked antithesis of holiness. Alas, our understanding of “holy” takes form. We are called a lot of things because we guard our pride and selfishness instead of surrendering them to experience His holiness!
The exchange is life changing!
“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in Scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God’s judgment, hating what He hates, loving what He loves and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word.” J.C. Ryle
“One of the consequences of pride and selfishness is that it makes the sinner pity himself instead of causing him to turn to God. One of the first signs of new life is that the individual takes sides with God against himself!” Donald Gray Barnhouse
On which side are you?
Want to be holy? Want your kids to see what it looks like?
Walk a surrendered life with Him, aware of His presence with no unconfessed sin
and nothing between you and another person.
The key to holiness is knowing your need
and keeping short accounts with God.
Make God’s heart happy…take a stand against yourself and choose holiness.
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
