LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS

 

I know--you think that title missed it, don't you? Yes, I know that Americans know the phrase as "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'', but that unique title is what I really intended to say.

 

On July 4, the United States of America celebrated the 232nd year of her independence. As some said, "I hope you didn't celebrate the fourth with a fifth!" To which the other answered, "I take my stand on the fifth!" Ha! Only in America!

 

To American citizens, this day is annually viewed as a cause for great celebration based on justifiable pride in "the home of the brave and the land of the free." Parades of varied floats and processions of civic organizations march down the streets of many cities during that day. Later, magnificent fireworks displays light up the night sky. One of the most cherished of values in our society is freedom, though there are many forces working to undermine or erode our blood-bought liberty. But even more important than our civic liberties is the spiritual element of being free!

 

When a TV newscast showed a prisoner being set free, he kept saying, "I'm free. I'm free!" A little boy looked up in disgust and countered, "That's nothing--I'm four!"

 

Life--abundant life--is only available in Jesus, John 10:10; 5:40. He described himself as "the way, the truth and the life," John 14:6. When Jesus attended to the deceased Lazarus, he said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die," John 11:25-26. After we are baptized into Christ, we emerge from the watery grave to live a new life, Romans 6:4. Another version expresses it  "so we also might walk in newness of life." Jesus gives us a new beginning, a new start, a clean page, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

 

Liberty--freedom--is a Biblical concept for sure. Jesus came to set the captives free--"to proclaim freedom for the prisoners," Luke 4:18. When "old glory" flutters in the gentle breeze and you feel chills running up and down your spine, give a thought to how Christ truly set us free from the bondage of sin and legalism. Paul says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery," Galatians 5:1. Paul knows that people would be inclined to abuse their freedom as grace is abused today. He, therefore, issues a caution, "You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love," Galatians 5:13. Remember, it is the truth and obeying the truth that sets us free, John 8:32; 17:17. Practice responsible freedom. As someone has said, "My freedom ends where your nose begins."

 

Holiness has various related meanings. It means "separation" from our carnal, secular world. It means "purity" of heart and mind. God has always sought holiness in his people. He said, "Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy," Leviticus 19:1. This concept is fundamental in the New Testament as well--"But you [Christians] are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light," 1 Peter 2:9. Even the word "saint" means a "holy one"--someone set apart for God's use, (see 1 Corinthians 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 1:1). That is a virtue we are to pursue with vigor. Without it, we will never see God.

 

Our Christian constitution and our magnificent manifesto--the Bible--guarantees us "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Holiness." And guess what? When one follows that constitution, happiness (or blessedness in the Sermon on the Mount--Matthew 5) is an unavoidable byproduct. That's why Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always," Philippians 4:4. So follow God and don't worry, be happy. He is and always will be in control of this world and your life and mine as well. 

 

See why we had that strange title? Now you know. Are you happy now? Follow the above prescription from the Great Physician and happiness is guaranteed.

 

Love you all,

 

Al--"the Horne of Africa." 

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