Am currently reading Jerry Bridges' The Pursuit of Holiness. Erm, not trying to be holy or anything k, besides, as how the author puts it, holiness is not "images of bunned hair, long skirts, and black stockings." The true concept of being 'holy' is really to be morally blameless, separated from sin, and consecrated to God. Right, still a tall order eh. Damn cheem, haha.
I quote from the book:
"If holiness, then, is so basic to the Christian life, why do we not experience it more in daily life? Why do so many Christians feel constantly defeated in their struggle with sin? Why does the Church of Jesus Christ so often seem to be more conformed to the world around it than to God?"
So, what's the problem there?
The author gave his take on 3 basic problem areas, but this one spoke to me the most:
"Our first problem is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centred than God-centred. We are more concerned about our own "victory" over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God."
"God wants us to walk in obedience - not victory. Obedience is oriented toward God; victory is oriented toward self."
"This is not to say God doesn't want us to experience victory, but rather to emphasize that victory is a by-product of obedience."
To be less self-centred and more obedient towards the Lord has always been my toughest struggle. Steepest learning curve. Still climbing. *pants
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16
Amen!
ReplyDeleteYea, wonderful! must read more book, then can share more wisdom and knowledge. Good fren u have in Mr J. Good timing too. Reminding me too. So Let's obey God's word and ask Him to help us along to help us standfast to His direction for us. And victory will naturally be ours!
Copyright, no problem, we don't serve money, but do credit some love to my account.
If u think i am shining, then Thank God for that, and believe that you are shining too. or u will fall into the devil's deceit campaign. u might need to wear some spirtual glass to see differently about yourself. ASk the Holy Spirit to help you in this.
the question is, do you love them enough? if you do, start today, work with the Holy Spirit, decide not to listen to the dark side that we can wait until tmr to get rid of our sins of indifference, sin of procrastination, blah blah. expose him verbally if u must. and ask for God's help.
the world doesn't really have that much time to wait for us to realise that we are already in the light and thus shining.
God Loves you.
PS: Pray for Mr J ba, nice guy. sounds like one :)