Godliness and Holiness
As I read yesterday's God Issues Today newsletter (yesterday being particularly hectic and thus requiring allocation of part of today to complete it; I don't know how we'll ever get caught up on today and still keep tomorrow intact) focusing on prayer, I was struck by Jim Denison's explanation of two terms that get thrown around a lot in church. Dr. Denison is explaining why it's important that we pray, and pray specifically for our nation and its leaders:
The reference in quotes at the beginning comes from the New Testament book of 1 Timothy, wherein the writer urges the readers to pray for their leaders so "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Anyway, I don't believe I've ever heard the concept of holiness explained in that way. The working definition I've always used for "holy" is something along the lines of "being set apart by God for his special purposes." I'd never focused on a possible extension to that definition, to think about what those purposes might be.
But it makes perfect sense. God created us to worship and fellowship with him, but also to love and fellowship with one another. And he set believers apart -- made them holy -- not just to exist in some monkish isolation (although a few may well be called to do that) but to enrich and encourage and enliven those around us. Or, as Denison puts it, to be more godly with others.
That's pretty heady stuff. It could be quite intimidating to consider in terms of what we think we're capable of doing vs. the immensity of the task. On the other hand, I don't think God would have led the apostle Paul to write those words if he didn't also provide the power for us to do it. And how do we tap into that power?
Well, we circle right back around to where we started: with prayer. And that's a feedback loop we should all seek to become a part of.
The evidence of the accuracy of Jim Denison's comments is seen in you. You are a man of prayer and your character reflects what God is doing in you as a result. Your faithful communion with Christ continues to mold and shape you into the godly person we all enjoy. Your influence in that way does not go unnoticed.
Posted by: Phyllis at May 6, 2007 05:20 PMThanks, Eric, for making me think.
Posted by: Janie at May 6, 2007 09:22 PMFWIW, In Judaism holiness is probably best defined as "set aside."
Posted by: soccer dad at May 7, 2007 04:31 PMThat's the definition I was raised with, as well.
Posted by: Eric at May 7, 2007 04:53 PMAbout the publisher
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Eric, on praying for our nation and its leaders, I am reminded of something I was reading about Scottish history, and what the Scots contributed to the world in the course of that history .....
Among other things it touched upon religion in general, and Presbyterianism in particular ..... and the active, vocal role of the Southern Presbyterian (backcountry) churches during the American Revolution, which the more extreme saw as something akin to a 'holy war' ..... in return, Loyalists labeled these Scots-Irish Presbyterian churches at 'sedition shops' .....
I've been told that the character of a minister, who rides with his flock to war in the film, 'The Patriot,' was inspired by these very Presbyterians ......
Posted by: Jeff at May 6, 2007 02:07 PM