The Battle for Holiness

In the midst of the chaos we call life, the battle for holiness has been taking place. Sadly, many of us, myself included don't realize the seriousness of this battle. This battle if not engaged in will destroy the life of a believer quicly. Christ called us to be holy and set apart. Jerry Bridges says, "Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the Character of God." So how does a Christian focus on holiness. How do you live a life of holiness in the trying times we all face daily?

First, I beleive we have to take sin seriously. I have been guilty in the past of looking at other people and thinking "I'm better than them." Don't fool yourself. I think we have all done that at some time or another. When we take sin seriously, we begin to realize that much of what we allow into our lives are things we take no resposibility for. We play the blame game or point the finger at someone else. This lack of responsibility has made it easy for us to accept the idea that we could never be holy. However, I peter 1:13-16 speaks out on much of this revealing the truth that each of us has a responsiblity to take on sin and strive for holiness.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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."

When we prepare our minds for action and focus on self control and take personal responsibility we set our selves up for victory through obedience to Christ. This battle for holiness is a struggle all of us face. However with a strong faith in Christ, and obedience to His word we can be holy just as He is holy.