In the middle of winter temperatures are below freezing and it snows. Yet I can look outside and see young people standing at the bus stop in shorts! These young people are not living in light of winter. They are actually living indifferently or even in rebellion to winter!  They are certainly not living in light of it. My question is are we living in light of the holiness of God or are we indifferent to His holiness?

Quite a while ago, I met a woman with whom I had attended a particular church several years earlier. At the time of our meeting we were both worshiping in different congregations.  In the midst of the conversation, having discovered that I was reformed in my theology, she informed me that she too had discovered and studied Reformed theology.  However, she said, “It doesn’t resonate with me. Reformed theology focuses on the holiness of God but I need the warmth of praise.” At the time, I said little in response.

But over the years I have thought repeatedly about that conversation and about one question in particular.  Was she right?  Not about Reformed people believing in God’s holiness. Of course we do! We believe that God is devoted to Himself and set apart from all that is unholy. Indeed, we believe in God’s holiness.

No, the question I have asked myself is a little different. Do we focus on holiness so as to live in light of God’s holiness? Let me give you an example. In the middle of winter temperatures are below freezing and it snows. Yet I can look outside and see young people standing at the bus stop in shorts! These young people are not living in light of winter. They are actually living indifferently or even in rebellion to winter!  They are certainly not living in light of it. My question is are we living in light of the holiness of God or are we indifferent to His holiness?

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