It has always seemed hard to believe that God would set the bar so high. Jesus isn't just looking for good men and women. He wants a holy people. Jesus commanded His followers to be holy as He is holy. This seems like a tall order until you realize the source of holiness.
Pastor Matthew Casey said something really profound this morning about holiness during the church sevice. He said, "Holiness is not just the absense of sin. It is the presence of God."
Holiness is not something that a man can achieve on his own. It requires God and the work of the Holy Spirit in a person. Sure, we have to let God do it. But in reality, the heavy lifting belongs to God.
God is not just looking for people who avoid bad behavior either. He wants people who are passionatley in love with Him and will make sure to do the right things. Holiness brings glory to God as His people radiate a life that is unobtainable apart from Him.
