Holiness – A Call to Conduct
Donald Schafer’s sermon on holiness impacted me as I read it, and I pray that you have also been touched by his words. He said that holiness is a call to commitment, to credibility, to concern, and lastly, to conduct.
I like what he says here: “The test of one’s spiritual life is not only what happened, but what happens afterwards.” That’s a great thought – it’s not the event of meeting God that is most important, but the life you live after meeting Him that proves that the event was real.
Shafer compares it to fatherhood. He says “it was a thrill to become a father… I am often asked about the concerns of rearing children. One thing I’m sure about is that it’s not the birth, but what happens after the birth, that makes the difference… So it is with the holy life. It’s a thrill to experience the new birth, but the real sign of true holiness and wholeness is the life marked by the conduct of the Spirit.”
Fruit of Holiness
And Paul had said as much, in his letter to the Galatians in chapter 5. He talks of the type of conduct which is not characteristic of Christians in v19-20 - “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
But, he goes on to talk of the type of conduct that characterizes the holy person of God, in v22-25: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
What fruit are you bearing? Is it fruit that proves the credibility of your faith? Is it fruit that looks like Christ, and shows that His Spirit is in you and helping you? Or is it fruit of the world, showing that perhaps the event of becoming a Christian didn’t change anything for you?
Holiness – and wholeness – is about a lifestyle of godly conduct. In fact Paul would also go on to write this to the Philippians: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27 NIV11)
Living Holy Wholeness
Friends, with the Spirit of God in you, you have the ability to conduct yourself in godly ways. With His Spirit’s filling, you are able to live a life that is holy, no longer going back to the godless ways of your past but now living in freedom and fullness – this is holiness, and this is wholeness of the soul.
May you and I live holy lives today: committed, credible, concerned lives, conducted always in ways that glorify God.
Thank you Lord for powerful words from Donald Shafer this week.
