Be Holy
Today’s scripture selection: Leviticus 19-21
Key verses: Leviticus 19:2
It may seem like a tall order, but there it is:
“Be holy, because I, the LORD your God, am holy.”
And the order was issued to not just the pious; not just the particularly religious, but the whole community – everyone.
The people of Israel were a special people indeed; called out, for a special purpose, by the one true God. At times they did a good job of meeting that obligation. At other times, they failed miserably. Yet God never gave up on them.
And so it is for people of faith today.
We are called to be a “holy” people as well. And that means we must be a people who diligently study the scriptures; pray fervently; follow as faithfully as we can – despite all of our faults and limitations.
It isn’t an easy calling. It never has been.
But somehow God believes we are up to it.
I often hear people criticize the Church in one way or another. And, believe me I know there is much worthy of criticism. The Church is only as perfect as its members. And that means it’s full of problems.
On the other hand, I also know that the Church has been a powerful force for compassion; truth; righteousness – all the things it is supposed to be – sometimes in the face of great opposition and almost impossible odds.
So there you have it. This odd dichotomy – on the one hand we are a sinful, weak, people – easily corrupted. On the other, we can act in ways that are so compassionate and loving; we can stand for the right so powerfully, that the worst evils of the world are soundly defeated.
We can be holy – in the best sense of the word.
How? By letting God work through us; by praying “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Whenever people of faith do that honestly, humbly, and sincerely – God changes the world.
And we are made holy – for the entire world to see.
Prayer: Lord, make us holy instruments of your peace, wherever and whenever we are needed. AMEN.
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 