There's alot of discussion going on around our college at the moment about Holiness. What is it, how can we get it, is it acheivable at all?
In The Salvation Army people normally sway between Coutts and Brengle, with a little bit of Robert Street and his book Holiness Unwrapped coming through occassionally.
Anyone who reads this - I invite comments as this area is one which need smuch discussion. We are known as a Holiness movement, and we are called the Ambassadors of Holiness. What do we represent?
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I'm posting as a non-Ambassador of Holiness, Sarah, so I'm interested in what you all think, as no doubt being your sessional name you hear and have thought about it a whole lot more.
ReplyDeleteHoliness is one of those things I've heard talked about a lot but feel sometimes like I have no understanding of. Maybe it's just cos people use big theological words and I get confused easily! Haha.
Growing up, I have always had a desire to be more holy, that I might be more used of God ... but I equated holiness with perfection, which I don't think it is. And so I found myself (and to be honest, sometimes still do) striving to keep all the rules, that I might be found faultless and holy.
One of the things I have learnt and am learning is that my striving defeats the purpose of the cross. It voids Christ's sacrifice. And instead of letting me live a life in freedom, in all its fullness, I am probably as much in bondage as I was before.
So, at the moment, I am coming to the point, time and time again, that I think holiness is the result of surrender and obedience.
Actually when I surrender control of my life to God and trust His sovereignty, when I actually allow God to be God, and when I am obedient to whatever He asks, I become more holy. Not because of me but because then it is actually the Holy Spirit in me that makes me holy - it's HIS job, not mine. And that revelation set (and sets) me free to enjoy life because it is not my burden to "make me holy". It's God's job. And that way HE gets the glory.
In and of myself, I am not holy, but with the Holy Spirit in me, correcting, rebuking, guiding, teaching me ... I become more Christ-like, more holy.
Like a window can't clean the dirt off itself. That would just be ridiculous. But the window cleaner person can do it perfectly. And as he cleans the grime off, more sunlight shines though.
Just some late night ramblings....
Hey and Sarah ... how come I never knew this blog existed? It's fab to hear what's going on up there in your lives (and brings back memories!) I'm staying with Juanita at BCM next Tuesday on my way home from QIWP - maybe I'll catch up with you and your hubster!
Bless ya,
Corryn
PS Grrr...it's not letting me post as me. So I will have to come as anonymous.
Haha...oh how did I ever get through study at BCM!?! I just read your post again and saw I didn't answer your questions at all...just rambled on instead. Sorry! That must be a sign it's time for bed! :)
ReplyDeleteCorryn