THE QUEST FOR HOLINESS, INSTALLMENT ONE: LOVE

What does it mean to be holy? On a practical level, talking about living a holy life seems to lead immediately to legalism. We talk about what to stay away from, what not to do. But Michael Wilson read from a book last Sunday, and it has led me to see that perhaps the primary key to holiness is love.

When I love myself, I choose what is good for myself, rather than what is destructive. When I love God, I choose what honors Him and brings Him glory. When I love my neighbor, I choose to do what is best for him or her. So walking in love leads to walking in holiness. Maybe they are synonymous. But then love is synonymous with anything good, I suppose.

What is deceitful in my simple love formula is that, though I love myself a great deal, I often do actions that are self-destructive and immature. I eat poorly, live an out-of-balance schedule, and don't discipline myself. I often trade long-term effectiveness for short-term pleasure, and it's not because I don't love myself, but because I am not making wise choices.

Most of the time, however, the love formula is perfect. So if I keep my eyes on pursuing love, I will find myself living a life of holiness, because all of my choices will be made with purity of motives.

"LORD, I choose to love You will all of my heart, with all of my soul, with all of my mind, and with all of my strength. And I choose to love my neighbor as I love myself. Let me honor You by the way I walk in love, and I will be set apart for Your purposes. In the holy name of Jesus I ask it. Amen."
-ker