Holiness in Today’s World – Unshackled!

Published on Sep 15, 2023
Category: Devotion

Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

Relativism is the theory that says knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. Secularism is the belief that religion should not play a role in government, education, or other public parts of society.

In a world plagued by many theories and –isms, and there are barely any absolutes left standing, where are you today? When statements like these constantly ring in your ear – There is nothing wrong with a little of this and a little more of that. Nothing is wrong anymore! Everything is okay, and everything is acceptable. When these cries of the world cloud your mind, what then is your response?

Is it to say, whatever does it matter if I alone stay pure and obedient, no one else is, anyway? Is that your heart cry today, my friend? Has the futility of it all so overwhelmed you that you are no longer even willing to try, to live pure and by His Word?

The truth, however, remains unchanged. The truth remains that you are created by God and for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10) You are bought and with a heavy price, the price of Jesus’ blood. (John 3:16). If you have accepted the gift of salvation Jesus offers, you belong to Him, twice over. Created by Him and then bought again with His blood. Which leaves you with barely any choice, actually. You are called to live as He wants. You are called to be holy just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15). To keep your body pure and holy for it is the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To strive to live a life that is holy in word and deed.

And yet, much as you may know all this to be true, maybe you are not able to live in that freedom. You find yourself in a place where you have already messed up and are saying I have messed up so bad that even God cannot forgive me! Are you shackled and in a place of guilt and shame? The prayer is that the words of this beautiful song written by Bill Gaither, will ring true in your life because the Lord continues to touch lives today.

Shackled by a heavy burden,
‘Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.

 He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I’ll shout it while eternity rolls.

 He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

Would you come to Jesus today and allow Him to touch and change you forever? He can! He alone can free us from the shackles that keep us chained in life. He alone can lead us to freedom in Him.

Lord, please touch and release me today.

  1. In a society where relativism and secularism are prevalent, how do you navigate your faith and values? Do you sometimes feel pressured to conform to prevailing cultural norms?
  2. When faced with the idea that “everything is acceptable,” how do you maintain your moral compass? Are there specific values or principles that guide you?
  3. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of staying pure and obedient to God’s Word? How do you respond when you encounter difficulties or setbacks in your faith journey?

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

We’d love to hear your thoughts!

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Continue Reading..