These two chapters are so rich and soul searching. Two subjects no one likes to talk about, holiness and humility. First, let’s define holiness: “it describes something that is separated, consecrated, holy, and sacred — never again to be regarded or used in a common way.” - p. 282
When we become born again, God’s presence changes us. We are never to be common again. We have been separated for God’s kingdom and for this use. By accepting Jesus as our Lord, we have been washed by the blood of Jesus, we are marked, set apart, and made holy.
“If you belong to Jesus Christ, you are called to live a life of purity and holiness. God wants your mind to be shaped by Him so that your thoughts and goals reflect Christ.” - Billy Graham
“If Christ died for me…I cannot trifle with the evil that killed my best friend.” Charles Spurgeon (p. 313)
But be careful that pride doesn’t set in — to keep ablaze we must also walk in humility. The opposite of humility is pride and pride will kill you, it will kill your spirit, soul, and body. “Pride is the root of rebellion and is always accompanied with catastrophic results.” - p. 370
Pride’s goal is to eliminate you. It’s goal is for you to walk away from God and therefore be of no use for the kingdom. It starts by you first becoming offended. Walking in humility helps eliminate the possibility of offense. Humility is thinking modestly of our ourselves.
“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
With humility God gives special power to do things we normally could not do. It is with this power we must realize that God is the one who enables us to do great things. We are not great alone — we are great because we are empowered (anointed) by Him.
Now is a great time to pray:
“Holy Spirit, show me if I have any issues with unhealthy pride that need to be corrected and uprooted from my life. Help me to carry myself with humility and to have a moderate, balanced view of myself, not an exaggerated opinion of my own importance.”