Thoughts on Holiness by David Bernard

[The Lemon]

Well, to me it still comes down to balance...I know that has been said ad nauseum! Worldliness is real, sin is real - so is righteousness and purity. It does seem that there is a very real stigma attached to Holiness, and it mostly relates to outward standards, as well as entertainment.

The fact is Holiness is also real and biblical, sadly though many have thrown out the baby with the bathwater because of interpretive pricinple and that is unfortunate to say the least. We all need to follow after God and the leading of both his Word and Spirit, there is one undeniable fact however, we all come short, and since none of us has the badge of perfection by our own works, we ought to be gracious to those who may be in a different place in God then we are - and that should be the case no matter if you are more conservative or liberal concerning the application of expressed outward Holiness.

What I have always found to be mind boggling in my own life is when leadership treats their own convictions and lifestyle vague when asked pointedly about the expectations they have of saints and leaders. Anotherwards, I have asked and expressed my views on Holiness, waited for response and feedback and recieved none...that is a head scratcher! Sometimes things like outward standards are treated as measuring sticks of a persons walk and place in God, even if not directly expressed by the pastor/leader.

Having said all that, regardless of what I agree on or disagree with, I have a personal responsibility to walk with God; that does not get excused because of someone elses convictions or lact thereof.