Holiness

Holiness... this is what we're talking about in the Friday morning bible study I attend.  To be honest if someone had asked me if I'm a "holy" person, I would have said no.  Yes, I read my bible, I go to church, I serve, I'm a faithful wife, I try to be a good friend... but holy, not so much...I guess in my mind, "holy" was always reserved for God.  However, reading through this book (Holiness: The Heart God Purifies) has begun to change my mind. 

In it, the author (Nancy Leigh DeMoss), talks about "holy" as being set apart, distinct.  Well, that's us right?  As Christians, we are called to be different, to be distinct... we are set apart by God.  Still, "holy" is a hard concept to grasp.  Today we threw around all kinds of questions like:
               1. What does holiness look like in your life?
               2. How do you become holy? and
               3. Why do we care about being holy?

Here's how I answered these questions today:
1.  I'm not sure... I definitely feel that this year has been one of extreme growth for me.  I hestitate to say this, but even while working in a church for 4 years I never experienced God as I have this year.  Part of that is because I'm focusing on what He wants for me now, not for others.  It's no longer a job with deadlines to meet and people to please, it's about my relationship with Him.  However, I still wouldn't go so far as to say that I'm suddenly "holy".   I do think that in my life, spending time with Him for myself has helped me understand so much more than before and hopefully that will lead to a "holy" life.
2. I have no idea... One lady today said that she thinks of the word "clean" when she thinks of holy.  I liked this idea.  I definitely think that God has cleaned up some areas of my life and without that cleanliness there could be no holiness. Being cleaned by God is no easy task- I can attest to that.  It means that I've really had to let Him show me areas where I struggle and then be willing to change.  I've seen those areas (especially this past year) and I can't say I've been willing to change all of them... not yet... hopefully soon... You know how in your head you know you need to change something, but you just can't wrap your heart around it?... that's where I am in some things.  It's a work in progress, but hopefully being cleaned up will lead to holiness.
3.  Well, because God says.  :)  Haha... that seems like such a simple answer, but it's true.  God actually calls us to holiness.  He actually calls us to live a life worthy of Him.  It doesn't mean a judgmental life or a "holier than thou" life.  The author says "People are supposed to be able to look at Christians and see what God is like!"  That's the truth.  I hope that when people look at me they see Christ, but I can't be certain of that all the time... I know when I've messed up and I know when I haven't given God credit....  Luckily, there is grace.  We care about being holy because God wants that for us, it's His very best.  But when we fail, there is grace.  Thank goodness!!

The author says "God is holy, and holiness is not an option for those who belong to Him."  That statement hit hard.  I guess because "holy" has always seemed so far out of reach.  Or maybe it's because I don't actually want to let go of certain sins in order to become holy.  Either way, I know it's not an option and that in order for me to grow closer to Him, I need to strive towards that holiness.

So.... I'd love some feedback on what holiness means to you, how it looks in your life and what you do to strive towards holiness.  Since all 5 of you who read this regularly are Christians, I hope you'll email me a response :) (If more than 5 people read this, then I want your responses too) :)   Don't worry, the feedback is just between you and me.  It'll be helpful because we still have 6 chapters in this book to figure out holiness and I love learning/hearing from others!!  Plus, I was honest about my answers, now it's your turn :)  I'd love the input and I know that your personal walk isn't always easy for everyone to talk about, but I'd love your honesty too.  (bparsons514@gmail.com) THANKS!