Just recently – deeply engaged in a time of worship, eyes closed, hands raised, self-awareness completely torched by the grandeur of God’s glory – an image of God impressing Himself on the human canvas suddenly burst onto my mind’s consciousness. I saw what seemed like a large, spongy block, very similar to a memory foam mattress, and then the shape of a person slowly imprinting the sponge until the sponge completely lost its original shape and became entirely defined by this prominent impression.
As I watched the image in my mind, I meditated on God’s ultimate desire. Undeniably, His will is to influence and impress Himself upon us until we mirror and reflect Him completely. Of course, this indentation of God upon our lives requires that we first present ourselves as sponges or permanent ‘memory foams’ that will easily contour to His touch.
Holiness does not require of us monk-like lifestyles or overly-ascetic tendencies. It isn’t about proving yourself, punishing yourself, or earning your way; instead it is very much about allowing God to mold your will until Christ is fully formed in you. Holiness is meant to be reflective. Repeatedly, God’s heart towards His people is echoed through His word, as He declares, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is a ‘be-as-I-am’, ‘do-as-I-do’ principle, and is therefore unattainable without relationship with God and the abiding presence of His Spirit.
When we come to terms with the fact that it is God who saves us, God who cleans us, God who perfects us, and God who keeps us from falling, we will stop trying to enforce our own form of righteousness. We will realize that it is as impossible for us to make our own selves holy as it is for a lump of clay to mold itself. It is God who sanctifies us. It is He who works with our surrendered wills and makes of us holy vessels.
Today, as you go about your day, intentionally allow yourself to be shaped by God. Holiness means that your life should be reflective of the God who has imprinted Himself – His mind, His Spirit, His will – on you. He is pressing into the spongy fabric of your life at this very moment.
Reference Scripture: “As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” – Jeremiah 18:6
article courtesy of TheStreamingFaith.com
