Personal holiness can be described as an effort of gradual development that is undertaken under several challenges. In essence, it is the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, preservation, and prayer. As indicated in the book of Ephesians 4:23-24, personal holiness is to be made new in the attitude of our minds subsequently putting on the new self, created in the image of the Lord in true righteousness and holiness. On the other hand, growth in Christianity refers to the hunger for God’s word and teachings, obedience, and confidence in following his ways. This is demonstrated in the book of Hebrew 12:4-13 where growth is described as the process of stringently following the discipline of the Lord (Christianity) and not growing weary in the process. The concept of Christian service is, therefore, the greatest gift that Christianity has proffered to humanity.
In his definition, Pink (1947) describes Christian service as the response of a renewed soul unto the Lordship of Christ. He goes on to state that it is the hearty and voluntary subjection of oneself into the dominion of the Lord as well as the undertaking of his revealed will. In Psalms 119: 32, Christian service is defined as the process of running towards God’s commandments and acknowledging him in every single way that requires an assiduous searching for his word in the quest of understanding his will. In addition, it refers to the understanding of his will through the scriptures thereby discerning what the Lord attests and detests.
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A perfect example of Christian service is the ministry of Christ Jesus. Indeed, Jesus Christ ministered to all individuals regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs and ultimately died for their sins. In doing so, he was not propelling or propagating his own will but that of the Lord who sent him. This is fundamentally emphasized in the book of John 6:38 where Jesus says that he came down from heaven not to fulfill his will but that of God who had sent him. It is further reiterated in the book of Philippians 2:8 where it is indicated that Jesus came in the appearance of a man and humbled himself before God by becoming completely obedient to the point of death on the cross.
Christian teachings coerce individuals to follow the example of Jesus, and that is why he came to the world as a human to demonstrate to us that it is possible to be human and be in the grace of the Lord. Therefore, fulfilling the concept of Christian service should be achieved not only through witnessing for him but also through actions or works at home, in the office, and the world in general. In 1 Peter 2:9, Christians are referred to as special possessions of the Lord, a chosen group of the royal priesthood, and a holy nation. In this accord, they should praise the Lord who called them out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Christianity, as well as Godliness, jointly coerce Christians to grow continuously in the likeness of God both in conduct and in character through subjecting and submitting oneself to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit as well as that of God’s scriptures. Under the precept of personal holiness, the most powerful way of achieving Godliness is by letting His word dwell in oneself thereby transforming the individual. 1 Peter 1:14-16 asserts that Christians have been saved to be not only holy but also lead sanctified lives. To this end, the concept of personal holiness has meaning in Christianity relative to the holy character of God. MacArthur (2017) describes God’s divine character as one that sets him aside from humanity, creation, as well as other pagan gods by virtue of his sinlessness and transcendent deity.
The Lord delegates his Holy Spirit to aid humans in achieving personal holiness because he desires Christians to share his holiness by subsequently presenting themselves as slaves of righteousness. This is reiterated in the book of Romans 6:19 where Paul urges Christians to cleanse themselves from every defilement of the body and spirit to achieve holiness in fear of the Lord. Indeed, Christians can attain holiness in their daily lives by always striving for peace and shunning evil and dirty thoughts. This involves seeking the face of the Lord in the scriptures every day through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Just as an infant desires milk in his or her childhood and later on solid food as he or she matures, so should Christians hunger for the word of God under the precept of Christian growth. Growth in Christianity involves constant correction and teaching from God’s word. As Hebrews 5:11-14 asserts, despite the fact that Christians have achieved the mantle of being teachers themselves, they still need someone to reteach them the rudimentary principles of the oracles of God. In the spirit of growth in Christianity, one needs to be mentored and be taught by others who are knowledgeable in the scriptures of the Lord. In addition, one needs confidence in growth that God will be with him or her, and He would never forsake or abandon them in their quest to know him.
Obedience is the final facet of growth where Christians only obey God out of willingness and not restraint. As such, when one follows the teachings of the Bible, he or she is obeying God’s will and in the process grows spiritually. However, growth should not only be spiritual but also in actions such as fellowshipping with others, maintaining peace, as well as teaching and reading God's word. An individual’s works in the world are his or her evidence of spiritual growth knowing that God has the best interest and plan for him or her as connoted in 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Conclusion
Achieving personal holiness in the pursuit of being like God is not an easy thing. Most often, I have fallen short of this concept through peer pressure either in school or in negative thoughts, some of which are propelled by TV broadcasts and programs. However, Jesus assures me in the book of Mathew that his yoke is easy and his burden light. Through repentance and constant prayer, God accepts me back in his grace. I have also been able to live up to the concepts of service and growth to the best of my ability. I participate in Bible study programs, read, and explain the Bible scriptures to family and friends. I also attend church, participate in charity activities of the school, entertains peaceful thoughts, and constantly obeys God’s scripture. In doing this, I am confident that He will watch out for me and bless the works and deeds of my hands and heart. Nevertheless, it is hard to be perfect like God, and as such, I constantly pray for his guidance and support through the Holy Spirit.
References
Macarthur, J. (2017). How Scripture Empowers Personal Holiness. Crossway. Retrieved from https://www.crossway.org/articles/how-scripture-empowers-personal-holiness/
Pink, A. (1947). Christian Service. Grace Gems. Retrieved from https://www.gracegems.org/Pink/christian_service.htm
