Was reflecting on God's call for us to be holy tonight - do we make ourselves holy by our choices and actions? If so, where does the inspiration for our choices to do good come from? If not, then what do we DO? How can we be holy, if we don't have to do anything?
After a bit of thinking and praying, I realised that both answers led to the same place.
Yes, we make ourselves holy by the way that we choose to live our life and the actions that we take. How do we know what is right? He tells us in various ways - through His word in the bible, through those around us. We must open our eyes, ears and heart to God, who speaks to us in many ways. He will shape us through the situations that He puts us in, through the example of those around us, and through our reading of His word.
But at the same time, the answer is also "no" - we cannot be holy simply in the life that we lead (on our own). We must open ourselves to allow God to work in our lives... we must make ourselves "passive" enough to allow God to shape us; to allow Him to be the driver in our life, to take us where He wills. In order to do this, we must let go and trust in Him.
What does this mean?
It means that there is a fine balance between taking action and being receptive. It is a fine line between "letting go" and letting God control our life, but also still being proactive enough to do what He asks of us, and living a full life. We must learn to listen for Him - His call is gentle and inviting, not a harsh gong that will hit us over the head. We must not spend our whole lives waiting for some "sign" that will tell us what to do and how to live our lives - instead, we must do the best that we can, pray along the way and listen out for His whispering His directions to us. This is His call for us to be holy.
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Yeh, it is quite lovely, how the call to be holy involves both action & passive acceptance and allowance of the action of God. In some ways, it is about a beautiful cooperation between man & God.
ReplyDeleteThis cooperation leads me to picture a stained-glass window - it involves the presence of the colourful glass (made from sand, earthly). However, the glass is not enough - it is only when the sunlight (the divine) shines through it, that the full beauty & magnificence of the stained glass is revealed. The full beauty for which it is created is achieved.
So it is with us, that when we allow God to immerse us, transform us and shine through us, that the full beauty for which we are created is revealed - the call to be holy.
Hi Edith,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to be proactive, but at
the same time, we need God's calling and gifts
to do special works for Him. These include being church leaders/Pastors, being modern day prophets, healing, speaking in tongues etc. There is such a variety in which we can offer our services. We can do the basics - but WHEN GOD calls us to do more, He will provide everything that's necessary to do His works. I think the song that we sung during the weekend away is very relevant to the idea of cooperation between man and God :)
"FILL THIS TEMPLE"
Let my heart be the temple of Your spirit
Let my spirit feel the warmth of Your embrace
Let me be a holy habitation
Where Your spirit is pleased to dwell
Oh Lord I long to know Your glory
I want to offer the sacrifice of praise
Fill this temple Lord
With Your spirit once again