God says be Holy! How Do We Do That?

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Be Holy Is the Word of the Lord – But How? – Ray E Horton

God wants us to be holy – to live holy lives. The Word makes that clear. But religion has made superficial holiness the goal, like the Pharisees – outward display that doesn’t touch the heart. Or it teaches true holiness but doesn’t focus on how to accomplish it. It is impossible on our own.

Pride Wants to Do It on Our Own

It is pride that thinks we can live a holy life in our own strength, and it takes humility to admit we need the Lord, who won holiness, along with everything else, on the cross for us.

Is it by our own works, which are doomed to fail, or is it by grace through faith, the same way we are saved?

He also supplies the means. That’s the secret. The goal of holiness and a pure heart none will argue. But by what means do we get there? Here is the dividing line in Christianity: Is it by our own works, which are doomed to fail, or is it by grace through faith, the same way we are saved?

So many have been religiously taught, you must be holy, and it is true. But it’s a heavy burden if they aren’t also taught how to walk in faith, trusting the Lord for godliness.

So many backslidden Christians have become discouraged and given up trying to lead holy lives. They have given up, and their flames have diminished to a flicker. We can teach them till the cows come home, be holy, and they just become more discouraged and condemned and hardened to God’s truth. That wasn’t Jesus’ way! He has a better way!

Let Go and Let God

Oh, that we who know would fan them back into flame with the love of God, which is what draws people to repentance and change. Oh, that we would love as He loves and show them that by drawing near to their Lord and Savior in the Holy Spirit they will have power to overcome the world the flesh and the devil, and it won’t be in their own strength. Oh, that we would bring forth that simple message again, “Let go and let God.” His burden is easy, and His yoke is light – we just need to decide, then trust Him to change our willing hearts.

Let us encourage holiness but focus on showing the way

Then they will rejoice in victory and their fire will burn brightly and they will be encouraged and inspired to serve the Kingdom as ministers of reconciliation and ambassadors of the kingdom and the King who loved them and set them free. Let us encourage holiness but focus on showing the way.