Hebrews 12: 14-17
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.
Last week we learned that God’s discipline is never punitive, it is purifying. To partake in His holiness is to see God. Holiness is in our character, and righteousness is a conduct in itself. God’s intention is not to give us a ticket to heaven, but to get his holiness into us.
Peace, righteousness and holiness are a package that comes only when we are at peace with God and rested in our spirit. Without it we would be fighting with everyone all the time. It is not a phony, illusive or fake peace – lasting peace carries with it integrity, honesty, truthfulness and purity of heart. It gives us the ability to discern (see) with perceptive insight and understanding what the will of God is in every situation. We will not make the usual mistakes with holiness in our character.
To be holy is to be separate from the world in depth, insight and character. It is to carry God’s presence with you. Holiness does not mean to be a spooky Christian, but to live a natural life. Holiness is to be separated from something towards something.
1 Peter 1:16
15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
You are not holy with a halo around your head, you are holy by the choice you make to live for God.
2 Timothy 2:21
If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
With your choice, you are now fit for the Master’s use for noble purposes. Many of us don’t realize that our work can be a calling.
2 Corinthians 6:17-18
Therefore
“ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”[a]
18 “ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.”[b]
This also reassures us that holiness is indeed achievable and not impossible. Unholiness however is caused by unforgiveness, immorality and worldliness. Essentially it is the Esau nature.
In life we will be offended. This is nothing new, but it is how we respond that reveals the bitter roots that grow underneath. Hiding beneath the surface, spreading and growing, defiling others and causing trouble to anyone around us. You have to get rid of that anger and hatred that makes you say and do things that even a non-Christian would not do. And you must perform a major therapeutic surgery of forgiveness in order to grow a beautiful relational landscape. If Jesus can continually forgive you, why can’t you forgive others?
Without forgiveness you inflict pain upon yourself from a self-inflated ego. And as Forest Gump said after Jenny had hurled rocks at the abusive house she’d grown up in, “Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks to throw.” If you’re angry with everyone, let it go. Sometimes the person you’re angry with doesn’t even know you are. And don’t allow yourself to be vicariously angry either, for that too is senseless. The root of your bitterness will lead to self destruction.
Luke 6:37-38
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
This verse is often quoted in reference to giving tithes and offerings to the Church, when in fact is about forgiveness. If you don’t forgive, you won’t be forgiven.
When we are worldly we compromise our morals. We become like Esau and prostitutes who will sell or trade our bodies. He sold his birthright for a meal. A long term promise for an immediate gratification. He turned away from eternal things and therefore profaned the most beautiful. Rethink what you enjoy in life and don’t cleave to it. It’s alright to enjoy things, but do not sell and trade those things or live by what you can physically see. Material things to further your own agenda will only lead to the law of diminishing returns.
Pursue a righteous relationship, a righteous lifestyle and peace with all men. Walk tall for you are being used by the Master. Discern God’s perfect will for your life and he shall show you if there is indeed any rubbish in you that needs clearing out; remember that God always wants to bless you.
Biblical holiness is observable. So ask yourself about your habits, and do not harbor anything negative against any one (even your Pastors!)
10 October 2010
Special Thanks to Ps Dr Chew Weng Chee
