“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)
Is it safe to say that many professing “Christians” in America have little to no real understanding of who the Church is and what her role is? What do you think of when you hear the terms “holy nation” used together? Perhaps the children of Israel?
What first comes to mind when you hear the word “holy?” Do you see and understand it in a behavioral sense? Do you equate perfection with holy or holiness? Do you envision a particular lifestyle or style of dress? Perhaps like the Amish or Quakers?
The term “holy” literally means “to be separated to God,” but in its highest application it has reference to God’s holiness, “His purity, majesty, and glory.” (Strong’s). When you think about it, isn’t that our goal as Jesus followers?
Jesus was the embodiment of all truth, the visible presence of the invisible God. As He lived His life as a human being, His goal was to be perfect as His Father in heaven was perfect; to be holy – completely and without reservation to be set apart for sacred purpose. Jesus’ goal was to let the Father live His life out through Him. Do you realize that’s His desire for you and me as His followers?
“Yeh, but we can never be perfect like Jesus, at least not on this earth, while we’re in these bodies.” And you’re right, but that’s not the point. We are already flawless and perfect when seen by the Father through the lens of Jesus’ perfection. So, to the extent our lives, individually and corporately, reflect the purity, majesty, and glory of Jesus, we will be a holy nation, separated to fulfill God’s purposes.
Jackie Hill Perry wrote: “We must show the next generation what it means to be a holy nation. This holy nation isn’t America. It’s the church of God.” Yes, and amen! But how? How can we most positively and powerfully impact a whole generation of young people to follow after the heart of God? I believe it begins in our heart and mind.
We must, by God’s grace and with His guidance, live lives above reproach. What might that look like? We will be people who model our lives after Jesus – finding strength and guidance in our love for and devotion to His Holy Word, the Bible; we will be truth-tellers in the broadest and best sense – NEVER lying, and seeking to never allow ourselves to get into compromising situations.
We must pursue holiness of heart, mind, soul, and body, by seeing ourselves as God’s sacred instruments, set apart for His exclusive use. And we must learn to love one another as brothers and sisters – as family – in the Body of Christ. What does that mean? It means we must be more “inclusive” and less “exclusive.” And, honestly, I realize that can be scary, but we’ve got to find a way to share our lives with our blood-bought brothers and sisters. None of us are specimens of human perfection, but we can strive together to be better.
While serving a small church in Kentucky there were 8-10 churches in our little community. We, as Pastors, began to meet together and formed a co-op ministry to address the needs of the community. It brought us together as men and women of God. We loved each other and helped each other in practical ways. Our common bond wasn’t doctrine, it was Jesus. We preached in one another’s churches, celebrated one another’s victories, and suffered with one another in our defeats. I loved those Pastors, and they loved me.
Let’s work, soul by soul, church by church, to be a holy nation united to the glory and honor of our Savior and to live a positive example worthy of following for those who are watching, both young and old.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 