A Strategy for Holiness

The Lord is calling the church to Holiness. He says in His word in First Peter chapter one, "be ye holy, for I Am Holy". Holiness is not an option, it's a Divine Command. Some of us were not raised in ecclesiastical environments where the Holiness of God was stressed. Then there are others of us who may have been raised in a "holiness" church, but it was simply another word for "self-righteousness". Neither of these represent the Divine Will of God. There is a Standard of Holiness that God is calling His people to as we approach this Kingdom Movement. Therefore we must develop a strategic approach to insuring that the Holiness of God is manifested and established in our lives.

The first thing that the scripture says in the first chapter of First Peter is to "gird up the loins of your mind". This can be in reference to preparation for war, tucking certain things in, as it relates to your attire, that might make you trip and fall. We need to start "girding up". We must keep in mind saints, we are at War. It's been a "long time" since America has had an active war on our land. But for those countries that are at war, you understand that at anytime you could be under attack and that the threat of death is imminent. We don't live like this in America, but if you're going to be a soldier in the army of the Lord and embrace the Holiness of our God, you have to take this type of mental approach to your walk with Christ.

Then the scripture says to be Sober. There are too many Christians, including preachers, who are having "too much fun". I know this sounds weird, but what I mean is, all we're looking for is to have a good time. People go to church so they can "feel good". People want to hear a word that's going to "inspire" them, not cut them (Hebrews 4). People want the choir to entertain them, "but don't challenge me to worship" (Hebrews 13). Even the way we structure our lives is for our convenience, not the bearing of our cross (Matthew 16). We have to Sober up. If you've ever watched a sports team prepare for a big game like a championship, you'll notice that everyone on the team is very "serious". They have their "game face" on. Why? Because they are serious and focused regarding the task at hand. They're not playing, they're Sober.

Lastly, the scripture says, "as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance". Most of us, maybe not all, have had our struggles in wrestling with the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5). What I'm learning is that lust has to be "fashioned". You have to create an environment that is conducive to the activity and indulgence of the lusts of the flesh. This is why Romans 13 says, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ , and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof". Let us ask God for wisdom that we will learn to make certain decisions that will not foster and facilitate the indulgence of the flesh and the lusts thereof. If we are serious and sincere, God is Faithful to give us the Grace to effectively and successfully implement and execute A Strategy for Holiness.