In our world we talk about integrity and ethics, but with a wide range of meaning. An overarching concept that brings clear definition to these matters is the biblical term holiness. Of course, we don’t hear people talk about holiness in day to day conversation because it is not to be found apart from God. Our government is not holy, our schools are not holy, our shifting ethical concepts fall far short of holiness; in fact, God alone is holy. Only He is absolutely morally pure and He provides the definition of moral purity through His word and the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
With that in mind God says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15). We can be holy only through the forgiveness of sins He offers, the impartation of His righteousness, and the resulting identification with Him. Holiness is God’s gift to us, not our gift to God. Then as we walk with Him, holiness begins to take shape in us and we are transformed increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Holiness is a compelling quality. It certainly was in the life of Jesus. It is a quality that brings wisdom and well-being to life. The “beauty of holiness” working in the life of believers individually and in the church collectively is a compelling witness to a confused, dysfunctional world. It will never be seen in completion in the church on earth because of our continual need for growth and the continual introduction of new believers into the kingdom. However, it will be in evidence in the biblical message of the church and our transformed lives.
The word holiness is not a familiar term to lost people, but the concept is timeless, trans-cultural, always relevant, and desperately needed. The fact that the world doesn’t know the concept, much less the word, makes our work even more important.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Spiritual Pride
Most of February was devoted to the annual sectional tour. After many conversations, united prayer, business meetings, ministry, dinners, and miles I can say it was good to be with God’s people. We are indeed a very diverse family ministering in a great variety of contexts. This is not news to you, but experiencing the heartfelt fellowship of all our ministers and church leaders is enriching.
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)