Where does holiness begin?
I was intrigued recently by a very familiar text of Scripture that I have read numerous times before but never picked up on one particular idea. There is a beautiful story in Mark's gospel about a crippled man who was lowered into Jesus' presence through the roof of a crowded house by four faithful friends. Of the many truths from this text one emerged in my mind recently. Upon healing both the man's crippled spirit and legs, Jesus said to him, "I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home." (v. 11, NRSV)When Jesus does in a work in our lives, who will be the first to be affected by it? It is clear from this text of Scripture that upon healing this man's brokenness he was to take his experience home with him before anywhere else. It is true that the change and restoration that Jesus brings to our lives must impact the world around us, but its impact must first be felt in the most common and personal places and with those we are most intimately connected to.
If Jesus does a work in my life, which he has, I know that the change is ultimately not for me. Just as the Son does not hoard the grace of his Father to himself, we too cannot soak up grace like a spiritual sponge. We must reciprocate that grace back out to God and to others through holy lives. Therefore, the work God does for me should impact my wife and family above all else.
Why is it that many Christians have supposed "experiences" where they say they have been "changed," but that change does not show up in the most common everyday places -- it does not show up at home? If I claim that God has intervened in my life and transformed me, it had better be apparent at home where the real me cannot help but be seen. Any person who claims to be touched by God, but that touch is not evidenced in that person's home, I would doubt he has been touched at all. Holiness, true transformation as a result of God's grace, begins in the home.
So what is Jesus asking of us this day (especially us, gentlemen)? Yes, I do believe that real change is possible. He can touch us and change us in the very depths of who we are. But if this supposed "change" does not impact the relationships you have with those closest to you, then I would challenge you to reconsider if any change has really occurred at all. Take the grace God has given you, by faith receive it and let it change you, and reciprocate it back to him through loving service to the most common persons in your life. Let them be the first to see what God has done in your life. After all, if you cannot be holy with them, you cannot be holy with anyone.
5 Comments:
I think this is one of the best articles you've written on this blog, Sean. Very "devotional" in nature and in content... but what is more applicable to our lives?
Seems like everytime I have real communion with the Lord it is immediately tested in the context of my home. But I've found that when I'm really walking closely with God--He always propells me in love toward my wife and kids. You know, that's a wonderful truth! Walking with God makes me a better husband and father, because my love for Him is best demonstrated towards them.
Thinking in Ohio,
Thank-you for the compliment. I'll admit that over the course of the last couple months I have felt more compelled to write posts that are more devotional in nature. I agree with you completely that these types of posts are possibly the most applicable to our lives. But every devotional needs some form of personal testimony to compliment it. Your comment has given my theoretical post personal validation. Therefore, thank-you for sharing your testimony. You have illustrated my point perfectly.
God bless you, and thanks for not forsaking this blog even though we don't post quite as frequently as we used to.
Umm... I humbly agree with every point you made...;)
Thanks Sean!
-Matt
The Seminary environment has really helped
you bloom as a thinker!...we told you that
would happen.
Thank-you very much for the compliment and faith in the seminary, Mr. Mysterious Anonymous Poster Guy.
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