Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
Can you post the article by Bro MULLINGS?
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*Posted with authors permission*
Biblical Standards or Personal Preferences?
By Ron Mullings
When we look at the subject of holiness, the first requisite is that we understand it is not optional. The scripture is very specific when it commands us to be holy. (
Romans 12:1,
Psalms 29:2) Our holiness is to accomplish two things. It first separates us into God as detailed in
Romans 12:1 and
Ephesians 1:4. It then serves to witness to God’s life changing power to those that are without. (
Hebrews 12:4 and
Matthew 5:16) This is reinforced in God’s conversation with Samuel while choosing a new king. In
1Samuel 16:7, he says although God looks on the heart, man can only see the outward and since it is man that is our mission field this scripture underscores the importance of an outward witness.
In the pursuit of holiness, the New Testament provides us with basic standards of conduct that should be regarded as the minimum. We are not granted the privilege to pick or choose which to believe. Beyond those minimum commands the scriptures then tell us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (
Philippians 2:12 KJV) In this quest God searches the heart of every man, discerning those aspects of each life where things are present that could impede their spiritual health. God uses His findings to give those individuals “conviction.” These become very relevant to your personal walk with God. “If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart.” (
1 John 3:20 KJV) This is illustrated by the rich young ruler. Jesus discerned something in his heart regarding wealth. The result was the “conviction” to sell all he had and give to the poor. There was not a blanket commandment. He did not tell this to Nicodemas or Zacheaus. It was for the young man. The danger is that these “convicting” experiences with God are so powerful that is easy to begin to feel they must apply to everyone. Very probably if we could call the young ruler back today and ask him what a man must do to be saved, he would tell us to sell all we had and give to the poor. He would be wrong. That is not our “conviction,” it was his.
It is the devil’s business to disunite. I must guard against the temptation to place my “conviction” on a level with the eternally settled word of God. That was Jesus’ condemnation of the Pharisees. They taught as “doctrine” the commandments of men. They put their convictions on the same level as scripture. I have no more right to demand my brother embrace my “conviction” than he does to demand the same of me. My “convictions” are not only good, they are essential to “my salvation.” The important thing is to realize that God gave the “conviction” to meet a need in my life. I am privileged to take a stronger personal position than the scriptures require but I am not permitted to take a lesser one. While I should never be apologetic for my “conviction” I must guard against the temptations to judge my brother by them.
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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