Here’s a thought: Any “brand of holiness” that makes no mention of power, love, or happiness is a fraud. The Bible reiterates time and again that holiness is the path to human freedom and flourishing.
Why, then, do so many people identify holiness with boring rules, legalism, and rigidity?
On one hand, I think people peg the pursuit of instant gratification as “fun” and “exciting,” even if it leads to the opposite in the long-run. On the other hand, holiness centers on medium and long-term well-being, which makes up the majority of life. In other words, holiness doesn’t sacrifice the future for the present.
So what if we have to make some sacrifices today (i.e. investments) to get there? You don’t have to be spiritual to understand the concept of discipline in the interest of a greater good.
I also think many people have been taught a false conception of holiness. If the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word are conservative robes, classic-fit suits with pleated pants, and old-fashioned hymns, that is proof of my point.
Today, let’s correct our perception of the one attribute—holiness—that theologians argue captures the personality of God better than any other.
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