Chasing Holiness

The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges, is an incredible little book, convicting and encouraging at the same time. One point the book makes is the importance of obedience even in the little things. Some have questioned the point of the Law in the Old Testament. The book quotes Andrew Bonar, “It is not the importance of the thing, but the majesty of the Lawgiver, that is to be the standard of obedience…some indeed, might reckon such minute and arbitrary rules as these as trifling. But the principle involved in obedience or disobedience is none other than the same principle which was tried in Eden at the foot of the forbidden tree. It is really this: Is the Lord to be obeyed in all things whatsoever He commands? Is He a holy Lawgiver? Are His creatures bound to give implicit assent to His will?”
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This passage really made me think. Is the Lord actually to be obeyed in all things? What about parking in the no parking zone for a quick run into the store for a gallon of milk; or photocopying for personal use when the book says NO copying at all without written permission from the author? And then there are things referred to in the Word that we are not to even think of, let alone watch, read, or listen to. What about not letting the sun go down on your anger even though it was “all his fault and he deserves to sleep alone”? What about speaking harshly to your child? Surely the verse about letting your gentleness be known to all men is strictly speaking to all those who are not your kids. After all, it does say men – but it does not exactly mean your husband. He’s not really a man – he’s more like a guy… That could go on and on!
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My point is that we cannot excuse obeying only what we consider the “big” things while letting the “little” things slide. We talk ourselves out of being guilty because we are a “work in progress,” after all. Our goal seems to be victory over sin rather than not sinning because it grieves a Holy God. We need to step back and take a serious look at our lives. Are we cheating? Are we trying to pacify God and ourselves with less than what He desires, and even requires, from us? Excuses are easy to come by and we are masters at justifying most anything with a little rationalization. We are not to justify our sin. No matter how seemingly small or insignificant it is, sin is sin. My sin and your sin is what nailed the One we say is our Lord to the cross. Do we value His sacrifice so little that we are willing to coddle and excuse our pet sins and continue in them? Christ’s willingness to shed His blood for my redemption should be more than enough to create in me a longing to chase after holiness.
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Prayer:
Father God, please forgive me for justifying my sin. Show me daily that each sin is a grievous offence against a holy, righteous, and just God. I commit to examining my heart when your Holy Spirit convicts me of what I think is something of little consequence. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Challenge:
Do not ignore the nudging of the Holy Spirit as you go about your days this week. Examine your actions and thoughts and see if they line up with Scripture. Things to watch for: the radio dial in the car, the television program in the afternoon or evening, the magazine in the beauty shop, the thoughts you have towards your husband and children.
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Jen Gorton 2004