This year at BSF we studying the People Of The Promised Land {PPL1}. It's an "exciting" study that traces the journey of the Israelites into the Promised Land after spending 40 years in the desert. I say it's "exciting" cause at times when I read how the Israelites acted, I can see myself through and through. It's like a mirror has been held up and I can see an exact reflection of my character. When the Israelites in Egypt cried out to God for deliverance, God raise Moses to lead out of bondage and into the Promised Land. God gave very specific instructions which I must say, He kept repeating over and over. The Israelites were to consecrate themselves and be holy. Leviticus 11:45 "I am the LORD who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy". Leviticus 20:7 "Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God". Well, the Israelites agreed to worship the Lord God almighty only and even vowed that far be it from them that they would worship the gods of the nations among which they would dwell. I can just picture them swearing, "Who?? Us?? Ati do what?? Worship other gods?? Never Ever??" Joshua 24:16 "Then the people answered, 'Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods?"
Just the like the Israelites, as Christians we are called to a life of holiness. God calls for us to be holy just as He is holy. 1 Peter 1:15 -16 "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". Holiness; the state of being holy - to be holy is to be dedicated or consecrated to God. Pursuing holiness may seem like such an uphill task and you may be wondering exactly how do I hack to be holy in this generation we are living in? Better still, is it even possible to live a holy life? As I thought about it, I figured it is very possible to live a life of holiness even with all the drama and negativity that surrounds us in the world. Best part is, we have the Holy Spirit - who is our Helper and is always ready to step in and be a beacon in our journey. John 14:26 "But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor - Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you". The Holy Spirit is just a whisper away, how awesome is that???
Here are various ways you can pursue holiness. They are not exhaustive and of course not limited. Most important thing is to allow the Holy Spirit guide and teach you. With Him besides you, I guarantee you can live a fulfilled holy life. 3 most important things:
Heart - Personally, the heart is the most important part in this pursuit of holiness equation. Once you get your heart in the right place, everything else smoothly falls into place. Start by guarding your heart jealously. Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it".It is also important to guard your heart cause of how it has been described - desperately wicked. If you are not careful, the heart can lead you down a very dark path. Jeremiah 17: "The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; who can know it?" How do you suppose you can guard your heart? Proverbs 3:1 "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands". Your heart can keep the commands by studying the word of God and meditating on it & observing it just like God told Joshua in 1:8 when He commissioned him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it".
Mind - Work on renewing your mind. Filter what you allow into your mind cause GIGO for sure. Be intentional in the kind of content you consume, ensure that it builds you up and challenges you to be a better version of yourself. Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God". By renewing your mind, you allow only thoughts that exhort you to occupy your space. Philippians 4:8 "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things".
Mouth/Tongue - James' description of the tongue is very spot on in 3:5-6 "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongues also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell". Be careful of what comes out of your mouth. Weigh your words well before speaking cause once they are uttered, there is no turning back and in some cases the damage done is irreparable. I always say not every conversation/argument is worth your time. 2 Timothy 2:16 "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly". 2 Timothy 2:23 "Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels". I'm sure you can relate in instances where you got into trouble cause you just couldn't keep your mouth shut - I have :D :D :D Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruits". There are two verses that I love praying every morning before I leave the house for the day and any time I'm about to say something nasty/participate in random conversations, I recite them & change course. Psalms 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips" & Psalms 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer".
As I said, what I've shared is neither exhaustive nor is it limited. I can sum up the pursuit of holiness with reference to Psalms 1:1 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful". Be intentional in how/where you walk, where you stand and where you sit. I pray that God will grant you the strength to relentlessly pursue holiness.