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I wince a little at the title and first line of this song. One could take it to mean that Christians are only holy when engaged in “religious” activities. Christians are holy by virtue of being in Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.6:11). A closer examination of the song persuades me that is not what the poet meant. Rather, recognizing that, being holy in Christ, we need to live as holy people, he encourages us to engage in the worship, contemplation, and service that promote holy living in all of life. Consider with me how we should take time to be holy. Let us devote ourselves to the word of God. In knowing the Father and his Son we find eternal life (John 17:3). In knowing the truth we find freedom from sin (John 8:32). In receiving the implanted word we receive the salvation of our souls (James 1:21). By the word of God we build our faith (Romans 10:17). Only in the word of God do we gain the knowledge of his will and gain wisdom and discernment. In the word of God we may fill ourselves with the love of God (Rom. 5:5; 1 Cor. 2:9ff.) and gaze on the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). In Bible classes, in worship assemblies, and in private settings with a few Christians or just God and us, let us seek diligently to hear and understand the word of God. Let us continue steadfastly in prayer. In prayer we make our requests known to God and turn him to our needs. In prayer properly offered we also submit ourselves trustingly and obediently to God’s will and purpose. In prayer we offer God praise and thanksgiving. In prayer we pray for the kingdom and for the will of God to be done (Matt. 6:9-10) – that more and more will hear the word of God and accept the reign of Jesus Christ in their heart. We also pray for the spiritual growth of the church (Col. 1:9ff.), for the salvation of our Christian brothers and sisters (1 Thess. 3:11-13) as well as for family and friends who are lost without Christ (Romans 10:1). We bring to God our needs and the needs of others (Matt. 6:11). We confess wrong, ask God for forgiveness, and ask for the forgiveness of others (Matt. 6:13; 1 John 5:16). Let us be people of worship. The word ‘godliness’ denotes the reverent, pious character that is inclined to worship God. Godliness is one of the virtues at the root of Christian character (2 Peter 1:6). God has saved us in Christ and made us one in him that “together with one mouth you might glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6). We have been chosen to be God’s children and people for the praise of the glory of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:6, 12). Our God is worthy of our praise and much more for all that he is and for all that he has done for us. Let us relish times of assembling to worship (Hebrews 10:25; Psalm 122:1). Let us develop family and personal times of devotion. Let us be people of meditation (Psalm 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:7). Meditation involves two aspects. First, it contemplates how the word of God applies to me and my life in its revelation of salvation, in the promises of God, and in God’s commands. Second, it considers all the good things God has given me. Thus, it promotes thoughtful living, gratitude, joy, peace, and worship. Let us engage frequently in Christian association. Fellowship is a means of edification, encouragement, and provoking one another to love and good works. Fellowship brings us to know one another’s needs and to meet those needs. Finally, let us pursue opportunities for love
and service. Holiness and righteousness do not come by contemplation
only. They come as God’s will operates in our lives in submissive
and practical obedience. God help us to “take time to be holy”.
Tim Jorgensen |