We pursue many things. We pursue our career goals. We strive to buy a nice house and furnish it comfortably. We actively seek out friends. We build a family. These are all worthy pursuits, but it is only half the story, isn’t it? If we allow ourselves to be truthful, we also run after unhealthy pursuits. Alcohol or drugs, sexual addictions, and coveting more and more material possessions are just the most obvious of the destructive pursuits that people chase. The question is, Will any of these pursuits fulfill you?
In contrast to the things that the average American chases these days, the Scriptures offer a quite different goal: pursue holiness. In I Peter 1 we find this new imperative: “be holy in all that you do” (NIV).
The connotation of the word ‘holy’ does not translate readily into our 21st century experience. As soon as we read this phrase from the first epistle of Peterr we instantly picture ourselves being commanded to wear orange robes with accompanying sandals like the Buddhist monks. We imagine that we will have to carry our black leather Bible under our arm wherever we go. We envision so many misconceptions about this word holiness that we miss what God wishes for us altogether.
So what does ‘holiness’ look like? It looks like Jesus.
Picture your life filled with so much love that people are drawn to you. Imagine having patience even in the midst of frustrating circumstances. See yourself as a person of peace and wisdom whom others seek out as a listening ear to their troubles. You will still be yourself. You will still love
fly fishing, still live in a home of your design, and still spend time with your lifelong friends. You need not change your wardrobe or carry a Bible and a soap box everywhere you go. In fact, when the Scriptures command each of us to ‘be holy, for I am holy’ (I Peter 1:15) it is really inviting us to be exactly who we were originally designed to be and nothing less.
Perhaps today, amidst all the demands you pursue, take time to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ as the quintessential exemplar of holiness. Make that your pursuit and you will find the fulfillment that your heart craves.
compurev 