Book 1 of Musings Holiness is addictive

The closer we draw to God the more we desire to draw even closer.

I love holiness. How about you?

I think in the ordinary mind holiness is associated with individuals cloistered away from people and giving themselves to prayer and meditation, or with peculiarities of dress or behavior. Cathedrals and other kinds of churches are often regarded as holy.

I have a different understanding of holiness.

I picture holiness beginning at the Center of God's person and proceeding outward in concentric circles.

The closer to the Center the more holy a person is.

Righteousness has to do with our relationships with people. Holiness has to do with our relationship with God.

It appears from the Bible that while God requires righteousness of every person, holiness is a calling. Aaron was called to be the high priest of Israel, and as such was holier than everyone else.

It wasn't that Aaron acted in a certain manner and therefore God called him to be close to Himself, it was, as nearly as we know, an arbitrary choice on God's part. It was after he was selected that Aaron was required to act and dress in a specified manner.

On the other hand, the Nazirite chose to take a vow and act in a holy manner. Every true Christian has been chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ. We did not choose Christ, in this sense, Christ chose us. No person can come to Christ and be chosen except as the Father draws him or her.

You would think today that being a Christian operates on some kind of democratic process, or random responses. Not so. No person can believe in Christ and be saved apart from God's direction. It seems like we are making the decision, but it is God who is working in us to will and to do His pleasure.

The proper name for a Christian is "saint." Saint means "holy one." To be a saint is to be called out from among the remainder of mankind to be especially close to God.

Sometimes the Jews are heard to complain that they have suffered because God has made them a people separated to Himself. Some Jews would just as soon sell their birthright, I think, if they could be more accepted by the people of the world.

The same is true of Christians. Christians sometimes resent the fact that other people can smoke, drink, swear, go to filthy movies, gamble, and do whatever else they please. They would just as soon sell their birthright, like Esau, if they could satisfy their hunger for the world.

Of all the foolish attitudes people can have, the highest place belongs to those who wish they had not been called to be saints.

How wonderful to be called to live in the Center of the Consuming Fire of Israel. How utterly marvelous to be one with God, to partake of His Holy Spirit. Nothing compares with such a state of being - absolutely nothing!

Holiness is addictive. Once we get a taste of what it means to be part of God and His holiness, we crave more and more and more. I understand such a craving is a gift; but if we do not have it, I am certain God would not be displeased if we asked for it!

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." (I Peter 1:15-16)

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