Holiness—

Not a look

But

A lifestyle

By

Mary M. Hall-Rayford

© Mary M. Hall-Rayford 2007/Revised 2013

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, without written permission from the author.

The content herein is dedicated to all those who truly wish to please God without worrying about pleasing man (or woman), and to all others who wish to see all mankind saved.  Use to the glory of God when witnessing to others.

Contents

Introduction

Holiness—Not a Look, But a Lifestyle

Acknowledging God

Operating with Integrity

Being Mindful and Considerate

Assembling Ourselves

Contributing Support

Preaching The Word

Being a Witness

Being Holy Means...

Our Prayer

About the Author

Introduction

There appears to be some confusion between church congregants and other individuals as to what holiness really is.  Some think that a person’s holiness is defined by what a person wears, what they do, or how they talk.  To a certain extent, what we say and what we do is an important factor in how others view us.  Holiness, however it is defined, must line up with the Word of God in order to be relevant to its connotation.

Unfortunately, many people have determined their perspective of holiness from religious preference, rather than a true understanding of God’s perception of holiness.  Who are these people who purport to set standards for the masses?  These are the people who wish to control the masses rather than watch how God guides and directs His people.

Where are these people?  They are everywhere.

Primarily, they are found in the church communities that adhere to rigid dress codes for women, segregated gender roles, and completely take the joy out of serving a loving, Father.  How can we determine who they are?

Look around at the churches that require women to:  cover their heads upon entering a sanctuary, promote

hemlines to be worn down to the ankle, condemn those who wear make-up or jewelry, and heaven forbid, heavily frown upon the use of nail polish, open-toed shoes, and sleeveless dresses (no matter how hot the temperature gets).

At what does God look?  God looks at the heart of a person, not their outer appearance.  Since He is the only wise God, should we not pattern ourselves after Him?  Or should we be consumed by what man thinks of us?

This booklet is prepared as food for thought.  It is not intended to be an all-inclusive response to a current trend—dictating holiness to others, but rather encouraging all to seek the Lord in all that they do or say.

Holiness—Not a Look, But a Lifestyle

How does one live holy?  As much as some people attempt to make it difficult or impossible, living holy is possible or God would not have asked us to do so. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15, 16).

How does one define holiness?  According to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “personal holiness is a work of gradual development.  It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance” (I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23, 24).  Simply put, true holiness is being as much like God as we can.  We can exhibit love for all, compassion for all, and maintain a right relationship with God so that He may guide us in all that we do.  If we refuse to obey His Word, we cannot be in a right relationship with Him.  We must also remember that we are not gods and we do not have the right to tell Him what He can or cannot do either with others or through others.

Holiness is not defined by man’s inept attempt to keep people bound to legalism.  “If a woman is truly holy, her clothing will completely cover her extremities; her hair will be covered, and she will be void of make-up and jewelry.”  There are no specifics as to how to define how a man is holy as far as how their dress goes.   So says legalism.

What is legalism?  Legalism is the way of the Pharisees and Sadduccees.  These are the rules by which people determine (not by the Word of God) who is holy and who is not.  Legalism is another word for bondage.  Bondage hinders and prohibits the Holy Spirit from directing and guiding an individual and keeps people controlled by other people based upon their traditions.  Jesus gives us warning about such people when talking about the Pharisees.  “Thus you are nullifying and making void and of no effect [the authority of] the Word of God through your tradition, which you [in turn] hand on.  And many things of this kind you are doing” (Mark 7:13 Amplified).  In this particular passage Jesus is referring to how the Pharisees attempt to control men as it relates to the care of their parents.  It also holds true for much of the church world’s attempts to establish rules.

How many rules does a church have?

There are rules for dressing in order to come into the sanctuary.

There are rules for committing a portion of one’s income to support the church.

There are rules for what one can do outside the church building.

There are rules for which one can hold associations or affiliations.

There are rules for when to come to church.

There are rules for who can teach or preach.

There are rules for where one can sit in the church.

There are many rules for the women.

There are some rules for the men.

There are rules for the young people.

There are rules for the rules.

Does all of this sound familiar?  If one looks closely at all the rules, the majority of the rules are directed towards women.  Remember when the Pharisees brought the woman who was “caught in the very act” to Jesus?  What happened to the man?  The “law” states that both should be stoned to death.  This discovery should not be a surprise since the majority of churches are established by men for men.  Women simply become an    after-thought in the consideration of everything that goes on around them.  This is a fascinating phenomenon since most churches could not continue to function if it were not for the women involved.

But we digress.  Instead of concentrating on who shouldn’t be doing what, why not concentrate on what The Word says and promote The Word instead of church traditions?

What is it that every born-again believer should be doing?  We should be living a life that is pleasing to God at all times (good or bad).  What does living a life entail?  Living a life that is pleasing to God entails:  acknowledging God in all that we do; operating with integrity in every area of lives; being mindful and considerate of those who are less fortunate than we are; assembling ourselves together with other like-minded believers on a regular basis; contributing support for those who work diligently to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ; to preach the word whether it is convenient or not (as Paul instructed Timothy); and to be a witness for the Lord at all times.

Acknowledging God

There are some who think that all of their worldly possessions have been obtained because of their hard work or luck.  Some will even say that they “pulled themselves up in the world by their own bootstraps.”  They forgot one thing—God—who created all things and without nothing was created.

Blessings and curses are created (perpetuated) by God.  Whether we receive a blessing or curse depends entirely upon us.  Are we obedient to His Word or do we “use” His Word when it’s convenient?

When we have a good job, it is because of God.  When we have a terrible job it is because of God.  When we become well-known, it is because of God.  If we remain a non-entity to the entire world, it is because of God.

For those who believe in luck—good or bad—it is vanity.  With God we need no luck.  For those who trust in Him implicitly and obey His Word, we are blessed and highly favored of The Lord.

No matter what state we find ourselves in, we must acknowledge God in all that we have or don’t have.  He is our provider and when we truly come to an understanding of that fact, we can then give Him praise for all things.  Our jobs are not our providers.  Our church leaders are not our providers.  God is our provider—in the natural and in all spiritual matters.  This does not mean that we should not hear church leadership.  It means that we should listen to make sure that what they say,  lines up with God says and within the context God intended.

We should remain in constant communication with God through prayer for ourselves and others; for those we know and those we don’t. (I Timothy 2:1-3).

When we wake up each morning, our first thought should be to thank God.  Throughout the day, we should thank God for the good and bad that comes our way.  Our last thought each night should be to thank God.  When our minds are constantly on Him (not in neglecting our responsibilities, but in allowing Him to help us stay focused on all that we must do), we come closer to living a holy life than we would, if we just thought about Him every once in a while.

Operating with Integrity

The Word admonishes us to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).  This does not mean when “men are not watching us.”  The admonition means that whatever we do, whenever we do it, we do it with integrity (being totally honest).

We develop godly relationships with others that we might not be ashamed of our associations or affiliations.  We do not hide behind closed doors and attempt to fool others by what we do.  God knows all things and sees all things.

When asked a question, we should tell the truth no matter how much it may hurt.  There is an old adage that says, “the truth hurts,” but lies hurt more and cause immeasurable damage.

When paying taxes, we should give to the

government what is rightfully theirs.

When explaining life lessons to our children, we should tell them the truth about everything.

When asked for information and we don’t know the answer, we should say, “we don’t know” rather than try to impress people with our ignorance.

When seeking advice, we should adhere to it when wise counsel is offered.

We should examine first our own motives when doing anything, making sure that it is for the Glory of God, rather than our own edification.

We should become doers of our words and examples of the principles by which we say we live when we advise others.

We should go to work on time and leave on time.

We should bring home only those things that belong to us.

We should repel rumors rather than promote, encourage, or instigate them.

We should constantly remind ourselves that “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the good and the evil” (Proverbs 15:3) and conduct ourselves accordingly.

Being Mindful and Considerate

The Word reminds us that we are to care for the poor and the needy (Psalm 82:3).  Therefore, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.  We are blessed to be a blessing and should not shut up our bowels of compassion towards those in need. (I John 3:17).  If we see a brother or sister in need and do nothing to help them, how can we say we love God?

We should assist those who are fatherless (especially in the church—get involved and make sure that young men have a positive role model and that young ladies know how a godly man should act) and help to steer them in the right direction.

We should assist those who are childless (senior citizens who have no one to help them in a time of need); especially when they become infirm or unable to do for themselves and have no family to help them.

We should help to feed the hungry in our midst.  Helping overseas agencies to feed the children in other countries is a good thing, but we have many children who are hungry in our own backyards.  We need only to look, to see those children in our midst who are hungry—for food, love, and guidance.

We should provide wise counsel to assist those who might go astray.

We should enlist the assistance others who may be in a position to help those in need, when we as individuals, may not be able to assist on our own.

We should encourage right living and a right relationship with God by being an example in our conduct at all times.

It is not enough to “talk” about what we do, but we convince the unbelievers by “doing” what we say we know God wants us to do.  When the world sees those of us who say we are true believers, doing what God has instructed us to do, instead of just talking about it, we become wise soul-winners and thereby please God.

Assembling Ourselves

We should assemble ourselves together with like-minded believers (Hebrews 10: 25) on a regular basis.

Does this mean that every Sunday we should find ourselves in a church?  Not necessarily, especially for those who cannot, for whatever reason, get out to a church.  However, barring any physical hindrances, we should find ourselves in a church whenever the opportunity presents itself so that we can be encouraged, in our fellowship with other believers.

We do not go to church “to have church” as is the manner of some who think that “having church” is about shouting, dancing, and loud music.   From a traditional standpoint, if we can’t get our shout on, fall out in the spirit, or dance ourselves silly, we have not had church.  If we cannot shout over The Word, everything else we do is in vain.  After all, God is not deaf and maybe, just maybe, He needs us to hear His still small voice when He speaks to our hearts.

Individual believers as a corporate body are the church.  The church is not a building, but the people. Therefore, we cannot “have church” when we come together, we are the church.  We come together to praise and worship God, to hear an encouraging Word that will help us to maintain victory on a daily basis, and to support local ministries that are doing the Will of the Father.

There is no one church building that is better than any other—figuratively speaking.  Though some may have 10,000 members, stained glass windows, full orchestras, and bus service, they are no better  than the body of believers who assemble themselves in the tiny store-front, who are just as faithful and dedicated as any other.

We must believe that He is faithful and just and a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

Contributing Support

When we make contributions within the body of a church, we do so because we understand the importance of the continued work of promoting the Gospel.

When we go out to win souls to Christ, we must have a gathering place to send people so that they may be discipled  in an appropriate manner.  In order to maintain a building in which we can hold services, we must have adequate support.

Additionally, the man or woman of God (His spokespersons) should be recognized (by appropriate compensation for their services).

Our giving should be based upon our heart’s readiness to be a blessing and not by what someone says we should give.  “Let every man (woman) give as the Lord has prospered them to give; giving out of the abundance of their heart and not as an obligation or necessity” (II Corinthians 9:7,8).  We must also remember that God loves a cheerful giver, not one who begrudges (or regrets) every dime they ever give.

How often we give into a local ministry depends upon our relationship with that particular body.  We should look to the Lord for guidance and wisdom in all that is done.  We must be good stewards over what He has given us.  We cannot allow man (or woman) to determine how we govern the resources that God provides.

God knows everything that we shall face and He knows whether or not we’ll be able to handle the challenges.  We should do all things as unto the Lord, and not unto man.

Many people have allowed man to dictate how they should use their financial resources in support of church business, without regard to the individual’s own needs.  “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting; get an understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).   We must allow The Word of God to guide us in all things.

Preaching The Word

As Paul so adamantly told Timothy (II Timothy 4:2) to preach the word, be instant in season and out of season, so too should we acknowledge this warning.   There is no specific or convenient time that the Gospel should be shared with others.  Whenever opportunity presents itself, a true believer should be prepared to preach the Word at all times.

We should be like David when he told God that “your word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

If we study the Word, that we might prove ourselves a workman unto God, rightly dividing the Word (II Timothy 2:15), then we have within us enough Word to share with others.  We should never be without a Word from the Lord.

We should share the Word on our jobs when opportunity presents itself.  Our jobs should never be neglected and we should always conduct ourselves with integrity.  Unless we’re getting paid to preach on the job; we need to be mindful of why we’re there.  But God is faithful and just, and there are times when we have opportunity to preach the Word on our jobs that does not hinder us from doing our jobs.

We should share the Word in our leisure time.  Whatever we do as a hobby, if there are other people around we can share the Word.  Whatever we do, whenever we do it, we must do all things decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).

We should share the Word by our actions towards others.  When we are able to love one another, we are doing the Word.  “Beloved, let us love one another” (I John 4:7).  When we are able to serve one another, we show our love.  When we are able to forgive one another, we show our love.  When we are able to intercede on behalf of others, we show our love.

When we tell others what the Word says, do they see what we say in our lives?

We should share the Word regardless of our gender, age, or ethnicity.  In spite of the fact that man likes to think they control who can speak the Word of God, God knows no such boundaries.  God will use whoever is willing to be used.  Our willingness to be used by God is the only criteria that He seeks.  God does not seek those who have glib tongues, those who are financially adept, or those who are of a specific gender or aptitude.  He seeks those who are willing and as the Word  says, “whom He calls, He qualifies” (Romans 8:30) and that His gifts (not man’s) are without repentance.  (Romans11:29).  What God has set in motion, He will bring it to pass whether we choose to believe Him or not.

“There is  neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  God does not see us as a gender nor does He determine what we can or cannot do since He already knows our capabilities.  Man (mankind) looks upon the outward appearance of others and unjustly judges the things of God, not discerning the wisdom of God and His choices.

When we allow God to be the only Supreme Authority in our lives, we reap all of the benefits of doing so and will always have a Hallelujah in our hearts.  Look what the Lord has done!

Being a Witness

The Word says that we have overcome (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).  Therefore, when we tell someone else about the goodness of the Lord, how He has brought us through and given us victory in every area of our lives; we are witnesses.

We should always be ready to share the goodness of the Lord with everyone we meet.  God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.  We should not have to make up a testimony to convince anyone about how good God is.  Our lives (lifestyle) should be a living testimony.

We should always be in a position to receive a word from God so that we can share it with others.  We don’t need false prophets, but those who have sound judgment and hearing, to hear from God and speak to us.

If God has done nothing for us, then He does not have a witness for Him, which would make Him a false god.  If we are in our right mind, then we can be a witness.  If we have the use of limbs, we can be a witness.  If He did nothing other than wake us up, we can still be a witness.

He has done so many great things that if we said we had nothing to say, we would be lying. We can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13), including telling others about His goodness and we should not hesitate to do so.  Born-again believers are indeed, true witnesses of the Living God.

Being Holy Means...

We do not condemn people because it is not our job to do so, but to encourage others in right living.

We do not judge for we know not what it is we are judging and could be judged for the same thing by others.

We do not determine a person’s final destination because we have neither a heaven nor a hell to which to send them.

We do not selectively pre-determine who can join our local churches.

We do not make presumptions about people before getting to know the truth of the matter.

We do not use our pulpits as whipping posts to beat up on people.

We do not misuse the authority that God has given us.

We do not manipulate The Word for our own selfish desires or the sake of vanity.

We do not derive pleasure from the downfall of others.

We do not become stumbling blocks for others by what they see us do or say, if in fact, it will hinder them from becoming a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We do let our lights so shine that men (women) may see our good works.

We do show the love of God that dwells within us by our actions towards others.

We do train up our children in the way they should go.

We do confess our sins and repent of them so that He, who is faithful and just can forgive us and to cleanse us from unrighteousness, and toss them into the sea of forgetfulness.

We do become the bridge that others may use to come into the full knowledge of Jesus Christ; who He is and how He wants us to live our lives on a daily basis.

This is what being holy means.

Our Prayer

Father,

In the name of Jesus, we ask your forgiveness for all that we have done that is not pleasing to you.  We ask you to step into our lives and take complete control over everything that we do and say.

We recognize that we fall short daily when we attempt to do things without your guidance and direction and we declare right now, that we totally trust in your wisdom and in the knowledge of your word and we do indeed live for you and not for ourselves.  Help us to live “holy” lives  as you define holiness.

We thank you for being the only wise God.  We thank you for your Word that keeps us in remembrance of what you would have us do and how we are to do it.  We thank you for your unmerited favor and for your mercies that are new every morning.  We thank you for the abundant blessings and anointing that you shower us with daily.  We thank you for all things for we know that it is through the trials and tribulations that we become more like you.

We give you praise, honor, and glory for you are the only one worthy of it.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen!

About the Author

Mary M. Hall-Rayford responded to God’s call on her life in ministry over twenty years ago.  She has written a number of books at the direction of the Holy Spirit.  She is always mindful of the things that God calls her to do and will do them, even in the face of adversity.

Other books include:  What Do I Do Now, After the Resurrection, It’s Not Normal, Basic Facts About the Bible That Every Preacher Should Know, Saved—But Not Yet Delivered, Think on These Things, her first novel, My Father’s Gift (Christian Romance, available through any bookstore) Trapped, If Parents Cared Enough…Johnny and Juaneshia Could Read, and the most recent addition of her writing, When Money Talks.  Most of her work is available on Amazon.com as an eBook or will be soon.  Keep watching or subscribe to updates on Amazon on her Author Central page!

Although she is now a retired public school teacher, she continues teaching at Wayne County Community College District as an adjunct instructor and has ample time to devote to her passion—writing.  Additional work can be viewed from her blog sites on WordPress.com and Blogspot.com.

She can be contacted via email: mary.hallrayford@gmail.com.

Table of Contents

Copyright

Introduction

Holiness—Not a Look, But a Lifestyle

Acknowledging God

Operating with Integrity

Being Mindful and Considerate

Assembling Ourselves

Contributing Support

Preaching The Word

Being a Witness

Being Holy Means...

Our Prayer

About the Author

Table of Contents

Copyright

Introduction

Holiness—Not a Look, But a Lifestyle

Acknowledging God

Operating with Integrity

Being Mindful and Considerate

Assembling Ourselves

Contributing Support

Preaching The Word

Being a Witness

Being Holy Means...

Our Prayer

About the Author