Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

8 February 2024

Reading From Exodus 28-29

“Weave the tunic of fine linen and make the turban of fine linen. The sash is to be the work of an embroiderer. Make tunics, sashes and caps for Aaron’s sons to give them dignity and honor. After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”

–Exodus 28:39-41

     God gave very specific instructions regarding how the garments of the priests were to be made.  It interests me that the purpose for their tunics, sashes and caps were to “give them dignity and honor.”  Apparently the Lord wanted these ministers to look the part and distinguish them from among the congregation of Israel.  The definition of “holy” is “dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred.”[1]  Everyone and everything made for the Tabernacle was set apart from common use to be used for sacred purposes. 

     We need more holiness in our lives today.  As members of God’s eternal family, our very lives are to be consecrated to the Lord’s service.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”[2]  When we make the decision to live for God rather than ourselves, our desire becomes to please Him.[3]  Holiness doesn’t have to be some monastic lifestyle, rather we are called to be in the world, but not of it.[4]  Holy living isn’t about just abiding by a list of don’ts.[5]  It is more about expressing love for God by living according to the principles found in His Word the Bible.[6]

     Integrating holiness in my daily life might look like using my musical talent to worship Jesus, setting apart ingredients for cooking meals for people in need, hosting a prayer group or Bible study in my home, doing chores for a sick neighbor, or using my time and energy to teach children about God.  It’s about living life free from Satan’s control.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”[7] 

  As we see revealed through the Apostle James, holiness is about both showing compassion and leading a moral life, not one or the other.  Compassion and morality go hand in hand.  However it is expressed, holiness begins in my heart.  I love God so I want to do what pleases Him. I know what pleases Him from how He has taught me to live.  These teachings come from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit guides me in how to apply them each day.[8] Sanctification is the process by which God brings us along in a process of perfection in holiness, becoming more and more like Jesus as we grow spiritually.

“God, show me what it means to be holy in today’s world.  Set me apart for Your work.  I pray that I would honor and glorify You in what I think, say and do.  Thank You for the realization that holiness is not only about abstaining from evil, but about actively doing what pleases You and conveys Your love to others.  Thank You for Your love, grace and mercy.  Amen.”

Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as if you were doing it for the Lord and not for others, since you know that you will receive from the Lord an inheritance as your reward for you are serving the Lord Christ.

–Colossians 3:23-24

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[1] Oxford Dictionary

[2] Romans 12:1

[3] I Thessalonians 2:4

[4] John 15

[5] Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13

[6] James 2:18, John 14:15-17

[7] James 1:27

[8] John 16:13