Prayer Journal

Thursday, February 26, 2004

God expects us to be holy. By now, you should know what "being" holy means. It doesn't mean perfect or even righteous. Instead, it means to be set apart for God's use - recognizably different from the world even though still in it.

Jesus told his disciples, "Be careful; watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." After hearing this, the Bible tells us that the disciples wondered why Jesus would say such a thing. However logical their thoughts, their conclusion was wrong.

The disciples thought Jesus' rebuke meant they failed to do something. Instead, Jesus was frustrated with them because after two miraculous feedings of the multitudes, the disciples seemed to be learning nothing.

Two thousand years later, it seems we still are unable to learn anything. God expects us - His people, to be holy. That is, we are to be distinguishable from the world. But, living in a fast-food microwave-cooked generation, we continue to look for quick solutions to problems that are as old as the human race. Instead of looking for God's answer to our problems, we tend to look at the best method the world offers.

Fearful of standing alone on godly conviction, most Christians seldom, if ever refute the opinions of the world or the church if it means we'll be exposed as dissenters. Paul openly encouraged others to emulate his life. Some Christians may be confortable asking converts to sit with them in in church, but they probably won't want them following them during the week. That's because most of us can't justify our lifestyle with God's expectation that we be holy, separate and distinct from the world.

Today, millions of believers are packing theaters to watch a newly released movie called, "The Passion of the Christ," by Mel Gibson. This movie vividly depicts the last hours of Jesus' life and his death on the cross. Mel should be commended for his courage to write and direct such a strong message of Christ's sacrifice. But, think about the contradiction of what the church is doing by openingly embracing it.

Churches who are buying tickets to see this movie are justifying association with the world for the sake of winning converts, who they will then try to convince that association with the world is bad. Does anyone else see the irony? What we're doing is agreeing with New Age philosophy that says the end justifies the means. But will we be able to stand before a holy God and defend our association with a perverse industry and agreement with a godless religion?

I can't help but think of a Trojan horse that was welcomed into Troy a few hours before that city fell victim to the enemy hiding inside the "gift" horse. Will we, the church, ever learn that holy means "separate" and there's a reason why God wants us that way?

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Lv. 19:1-20:21 Mk. 8:10-38 Ps. 42:1-11 Pr. 10:17 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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