The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul as He wrote in His letter to Timothy. He said:
“–God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1: 9-10
What does living a Holy Life mean? Obviously that means different things to different people. To some it is going into the Priest Hood, or becoming a Nun. Of taking a vow to live in poverty, and abandon all comforts of life. To live apart from the world in a Commune of people dedicated totally to God. To dress or act, or speak in a particular way in life. To pray a certain number of times a day facing a certain way in a certain body position. And there are many other things some people feel one must do to be called living a ‘holy life’.
We have no authority to judge any of those actions – to call them right or wrong. Each person certainly has the right to live as they choose as long as it does not harm them or someone else.
But as we read the Word, the Holy Spirit says, “God has called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.”
The Lord called us before the beginning of time for a purpose, and that purpose was covered by grace so that we would not have to get everything right for it to happen.
Here is the purpose: He said, “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
The Lord did not get into a list of Laws. He knows if we just do this one thing, everything will fall into place. That is living a Holy Life.
The Love He is talking about is Agape Love. Agape means “a sacrificial, unconditional love. A Love produced by God as we look to Him for it. A Love that produces concern for others welfare.” Living in that Love is living the Holy Life we are called to live. That is our purpose. That is the Light in a world that is filled with darkness. That is living in Christ Jesus, for He IS the Light. John 8:12, and 9:5
Let us not be encumbered with laws, and commands, and thinking that we can live a Holy Life by doing certain things. It is by grace that we are saved. and it is by grace that we are called into holiness, that is living in Agape love; and it is by grace that we receive that Love through faith in Him.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you, God’s Beloveds. You are greatly Loved.
Poppa B.