This post is also a giveaway! Please read to the end to find out how to enter.
Two years ago, “Fifty Shades of Grey” caught the attention of American women – including many Christian women. They gobbled up the erotica with a shrug and justifications like these:
- It’s only fantasy.
- I’m not participating; I’m just reading fiction.
- I need to know how to speak to the culture.
Maybe you were even one of those women – one of many Christian women who bought into the lie that it’s no big deal.
It is a big deal. And this book is merely one example of believers conforming to the ways of the world instead of purposefully cooperating with the Holy Spirit to be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Rather than actively pursuing holiness, many of us in the church don’t live or look much different than our non-Christian neighbors.
Does it matter? Is holiness merely a pursuit for the “super spiritual” or should holiness be a concern for every believer?
Before we turn to Scripture, let’s consider the impact of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Studies prove that what we put into our minds – read, see, hear – affects our thinking and fosters a change in behavior. Reading detailed, warped, and sinful descriptions of sexual acts desensitizes us to sexual immorality and harms our marriage relationships.
God’s call to holiness is for our good and His glory. He created us. He knows which attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts benefit us. He also knows which ones do not. He also wants His people to be a reflection of His character. To be a light in a dark world that leads the way to the Savior. But far too often we hang in the shadows ourselves.
This month at Do Not Depart, we will explore the biblical doctrine of holiness. Our call, what it is, what it looks like, how it benefits us, and more. Holiness really truly does matter – for your own life and for a world in darkness.
Have you given holiness much thought? Is it something you’ve actively pursued in your own life? Why or why not?
Enter to Win!!
This post is a giveaway. Comment on this post to enter to win one of three copies of Kathy’s new Bible study, Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence. This 6-week, in-depth study helps readers discover a deeper intimacy with God through a life of holiness. Embraced explores why believers should pursue holiness and guides readers through practical steps to pursuing a holy life. (Find out more about the study.) The contest closes at noon on Tuesday, June 10th!
UPDATE ON JUNE 11: The contest is closed. The winners are Yasmin, Brenda, and Lynn. Congratulations!!
I believe we need to get back holiness but I don’t know if we know what that is anymore. Many churches today are preaching grace (and rightfully so) however, I fear we have taken it to an extreme that “anything goes” because God will show us grace. And he will but I don’t believe it excuses us from the command “to be holy as I am holy.”
Hi Shawna, I agree! We must keep in mind both God’s grace and His holiness. That would draw us close but also foster obedience. You are entered in the giveaway!
I was shocked to learn whom among my friends and family read 50 shades…and very sadden. What we put into our minds does matter! I would love to win this Bible study and see what all is teaches about holiness.
Hi Kelley, I was also saddened to hear how many Christian women read that book. We must talk about this with the women in our spheres of influence. Holiness does matter!
Want to dwell in the presence of God everyday!
Shawn, that’s an awesome pursuit!
Holiness does matter. My family owned a Christian bookstore and many Christians wanted us to carry books that did not lead to a renewed mind. Our old sinful nature wants what is easy, entertaining and popular. Thank you for the encouragement and tools to abide in the Word and have the Word abide in us!
Hi Lynn, thanks for joining the discussion. One thing I included in the book in the last week is an evaluation of what we’re “feeding” our minds. Romans 12:1-2 teach us the important connection between what we allow into our minds and how we think and therefore how we behave. We must be diligent stewards of what we read, see, and hear.
Lynn, you have won a copy of “Embraced by Holiness!”
Kathy,
Thank you for standing up for holiness! Shawna pretty much wrote what I feel about grace.
Many Christians today believe that our liberty in Christ gives us freedom to do whatever. I so want to be holy and pure in the Lords eyes. I find that my mind and heart attitude gives me the most problems. Everyday, I have to die to myself as Paul said and meditate on His Word.
Thank you again for the loving exhortation. God bless.
Brenda
Brenda, thanks for sharing your heart! I am encouraged by your words!
Brenda, you have won a copy of “Embraced by Holiness!”
I truly feel our society just doesn’t understand what it means to serve a Holy God or what it means to be holy. I’ve prayed about it myself and asked God to reveal it to me. If you are willing and want to learn, He will show you. I’m excited for this study!!
Yasmin, thanks for coming by today. You are so right! And unfortunately, that lack of understanding is pervasive in the church as well. I’m praying God will use this study in the lives of women to help them understand the importance of holiness.
Yasmin, you have won a copy of “Embraced by Holiness!”
what we read and watch does make a difference in how we live. I got caught up in watching The Bachelor last season and realized that this is not a show that is edifying or uplifting. Why should I waste my time watching something that does not glorify God or draw me closer to Him. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
Thank you for that personal example! Over the years, God has called me to stop watching certain TV shows and stop reading certain books as well. He showed me the damage that was being done in my heart and mind!
As Christians, we are to have the mind of Christ. Garbage in = Garbage out vs Christ in = Christ out. Only by developing our relationship with Christ will we be fulfilled.
Leota, I love this: “Christ in = Christ out!” Thank you!
Just when I am feeling smug about not having even picked up “Fifty Shades” books, I realize that I have excused so many things in movies and on television and in my own thought life that I would be ashamed of before Christ. Holiness really does matter to God and so it should matter to me, no matter what the culture says. I want to pursue His righteousness and do the BEST things to honor Him!
Lisa, I join you in that desire! It seems like just when God helps me clean up one area and I think I’m doing great, He shows me something else to work on. But that’s what our spiritual growth/transformation will be like for the rest of our lives! From glory to glory until we meet Jesus face to face!
This is the first time I have heard of Kathy’s work and this study seems very interesting and relevant for today.
Hi Sandra, if you’re interested, you can check out the full first week of this study here:
http://issuu.com/newhopedigital/docs/embraced_by_holiness_excerpt?e=6362996/7859229
This study is something we can all use today. The world tries to prevent us from remaining holy and set apart. Looking forward to reading more!
Hi Brenda, you’re right, the world works hard against us. But praise God, He is for us! I posted a link to an excerpt from the study under Sandra’s comment if you’re interested.
This is all new to me–have never heard of this Bible study, but it looks wonderful. I am always looking for resources that will draw me closer to Jesus!
Hi Susan! The study is brand new! It was just released by my publisher yesterday. I am excited about the response already!
This Is so true about what what you read and watch on tv does affect your christianityI try very hard to monitor what my tween granddaughters watch on TV I am shocked at some of the programs they have on for these tears
Karen, you’re right! What we read and watch really does shape us!
It amazes me how easily we can be influenced be what we see and hear and end up believing that that really is the way it is. I am thankful that God is able to reach us and draw us toward Him.
Lori, you are so right. That’s why God told us to think on things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable” (from Phil 4:8)… I am also thankful that He continues to draw us to Himself!!
Dying daily to self has been a challenge. I am guilty of getting caught up watching RHO… I often find myself analyzing not only those that I’m watching, but myself. I have got to do better. God is not pleased.
Hi Mrs Livingston! You are so right, we must make the decision each and every day to “pick up our cross and follow Him.”
Kathy you hit the nail on the head. It’s so easy now a days for little things to slip into our minds sometimes without us even knowing the effect it is having on us. That scene in a movie, those words of a song, that passage in a book. A lot of the time being branded as an escape from our reality. When what we need is a step toward holiness. I’ve been caught up in this myself. Struggling/trying everyday to make that choice of drawing closer to God. I think that your study will many people with taking that step towards holiness.