Chosen, Royal And Holy Series

We are also a holy nation or a holy people. I am sure, however, there are days when you don’t feel very holy. When?

ILL.- Imagine all the obstacles a person might have to overcome if he were to walk from New York City to San Francisco. One man who accomplished this rare achievement mentioned a rather surprising difficulty when asked to tell of his biggest hurdle. He said that the toughest part of the trip wasn’t traversing the steep slopes of the mountains or crossing hot, dry, barren stretches of desert. Instead, he said, "The thing that came the closest to defeating me was the sand in my shoes."

Such a small thing and yet, it became a big hindrance in his walk. The same thing may be true with us. Small things often trip us up more than big things.

For example, we would never be guilty of murdering someone and yet Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 "21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ’Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

We wouldn’t even dream of murdering someone but we would become very angry toward someone. We don’t condone murder but we may well condone our anger toward someone, claiming it was justified. It was "righteous" anger.

Or again, most would never commit adultery but Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28 "You have heard that it was said, ’Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

And where does this verse put most of us? Do we dare answer? Even though we have sinned, small or large, we are called to be a holy nation, a holy people.

When do you feel most holy? At what time or place or situation? I feel most holy when I am on holy ground, worshiping the Lord. I feel most holy when I partake of the Lord’s Supper, and when I am singing hymns of praise, and when I am in prayer. I feel most holy when I am alone with God!

We need more time alone with God! We need to sing to Him, praise Him and pray to Him. And the more we focus on Him, the less likely we’ll sin, small or large. This must mean we need to focus on Him as much as possible. We need to be in His presence continually, constantly talking to Him. We need Him and the holiness that comes from being with Him.

CONCLUSION-----------------------------

ILL.- American artist James Whistler, who was never known to be bashful about his talent, was once advised that a shipment of blank canvases he had ordered had been lost in the mail. When asked if the canvases were of any great value, Whistler remarked, "not yet, not yet."

If you don’t feel valuable yet, you will be! Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep praying. Keep seeking. Keep worshiping. Keep serving.

You are special, chosen, royal, holy, etc. We just need to keep going forward in Christ. He is one who makes us special!