A 92-year-old pastor was on his deathbed. For years he had faithfully brought the gospel to this same town. The people heard how weak he was and came at all times of the day to thank him for ministering to them in their highs and lows, their marriages and their funerals. But late one night his best friend came. Knocking gently on the door, the nurse let him in. These two men had gone to Bible school together. Like brothers, they grew so close, proudly standing up as best man at each other’s weddings.
After a long embrace, followed by talk of the day, some laughter mingled with tears, they talked about the serious things of this moment. “Brother, how can I best pray for this area and all these precious people you’ve ministered to?” In tears, he responded a simple line - “Pray they grow in holiness.” He continued to say how he has watched many of them take the things of God with less seriousness, resulting in lives marred by sin. A call to holiness was their highest need.
Holiness is so important for a personal testimony, as Hebrews 12:14 tells us that “Without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Personal holiness involves “Offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
1 Peter 2:9 reminds believers that they are a “Chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation.” Our testimony of holiness before God is trifold - personal, sacrificial, and national. No one should have to wonder who the Believers are.
The Bible tells us of a Great War coming in the Great Tribulation. Listen to the urgent call to holiness… “But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, then the heavens will pass away with a roar; the elements will be destroyed with fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare (fully exposed). Since everything is going to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10,11).
Jesus is coming soon. How will we be found of Him? Will we wish we took the things of God more seriously?
(Devotional by Cheryl Hall-Laos)
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