Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV)
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
(1 Thessalonians 4:7 NKJV)
"I am Yahweh your God. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy." (Leviticus 11:44 WEB)
Holiness gets a bad rap. The word "holy" often brings to mind religious snobs. The admonition to "be holy" strikes fear of being sent away to a monastery or convent, forsaking every comfort of life for isolation and fasting. A holy God is viewed as gratefully unapproachable.
To be holy is simply to be pure. To have extreme goodness, free of all badness. To be sanctified and set apart, like sterilized medical equipment separated from the red trash bin. We are spiritually cleansed from the icky stuff in our souls with the washing of the water of the Word and the living water of the Holy Spirit.
Our holy God is completely set apart from evil. He can be trusted as a Source of only good. He wants us to be not "holier than thou" snobs, but spiritual germaphobes who go running to Him for washing as soon as we become aware of icky stuff that could spread in us or infect others.
Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord God Almighty! You are perfect in power, love, and purity. Spiritual darkness cannot prevail to hide the purity of Your light. Hatred cannot abide in the face of Your love. Your power is perfected in the weakness of our flesh. Please make us holy indeed, like You.
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Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy
Did you have me in mind when you were thinking of germaphobias? I will start trying to become a spiritual germaphobe instead of the weirdo I am.
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