It's Holy Week, the most important week on a Christian's calendar. Easter Sunday and all it means, along with the events leading up to Easter Sunday, are the reasons we can live with the settled assurance that Christ has conquered death and one day we will be with him in heaven for eternity.
Today my mind is on the word "holy" and what being holy means in my life. It's important because those are the instructions I find in scripture.
1 Peter 1:15-16 -- "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."
2 Timothy 1:9 -- "He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."
Ephesians 1:4 -- "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
Being holy doesn't come naturally, yet we are instructed to pursue holiness. It requires a deep desire in our hearts and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It means being set apart, not looking or acting like the world looks and acts.
What are some ways I can pursue holiness today? Here are some that came to my mind:
Honoring God -- prayer, Bible study, worshipping with fellow believers
For me, attending church regularly comes easy. Spending regular time in prayer and Bible study requires more self-discipline.
Loving those who are hard to love.
I hate to admit that some faces came immediately to mind. :( In addition to individuals who have caused me pain, certain general groups are challenging for me -- those who have committed crimes, those who are lazy, those who are arrogant, those who have beliefs and push agendas that are contrary to God's Word, etc.
Serving others.
I see those words and realize immediately how self-focused I tend to be.
Being careful or giving careful thought to my facial expressions, how I dress, and how I speak.
Even my tone of voice should be pleasing to God. The verses in 1 Peter specifically mention being "holy in all manner of conversation."
Avoiding sin and the appearance of evil.
A tough one. An hour-by-hour challenge.
Respecting people I interact with in public.
One on one contacts in stores are pretty easy, but what about driving in traffic? What about standing in a long line?
Living in a constant attitude of gratitude.
Thank you, God, for my marriage, home, church, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, friends, Sunday School class, neighbors, opportunities. The list is endless.
When I look at that list of ways to pursue godliness, what daily activities and attitudes do I need to stop? Which should I start? What ways would you add to my list?
Every time we hear the words "Holy Week," maybe we can remember what Jesus did for us, and what our lives can reflect as a result.