As I celebrate my 54th birthday this Sunday, I find a moment of profound reflection and gratitude. This milestone isn't just about growing older; it’s about my journey of growing closer to God – a journey that I know many of you share. Reflecting on this path, I'm reminded of the unique responsibility we bear as leaders in faith.
Many of us have grown up within the church, surrounded by the teachings of faith. However, growing up in the church does not necessarily equate to growing toward God. This distinction is vital. It's not just about being in a place of faith but actively moving closer to the divine presence in our everyday lives. This is where, as the songwriter said, because he had turned his eyes fully upon Jesus, "the things of this world draw strangely dim". This is where I no longer even desire the things I once saw nothing wrong with.
Consider the story of Abraham and Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:22-33). God promised not to destroy these cities if even one righteous person could be found. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of righteousness. It's not intended to condemn but to inspire reflection: Are we, as leaders, living as examples of this righteousness? Are we closer to God than when we started, and are we guiding others to do the same?
Our role as leaders involves the sacred duty of articulating the nature of 'sin' – the inherent separation from God we all inherit from Adam – and guiding our congregations to avoid 'sins', the actions that further this separation. Both aspects are crucial in our teachings and personal lives. As it is written in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." This verse calls us to a life that not only avoids sin but also shuns even the semblance of it.
In our journey towards righteousness, it's essential to recognize the sacrifices it entails. Living righteously isn't always easy; it often requires us to forsake the norms that fleshly Christians might accept. But in doing so, we become living testimonies of God's transformative power.
If I Can’t, You Can’t And Vis Versa
I often wonder why I could not really fit in the church clique with other clergy. But I was raised to be all in or get out until you're ready to be real. I was taught to be hot or cold; no place for lukewarm. So that is a part of my Spiritual DNA.
Yes, we all fall short, but God doesn't overlook my intentional and deliberate choice to indulge in anything that has the potential to lead me away from Him or that could give those I lead a pass. If I live and teach true holiness, then that standard becomes the benchmark for those I lead. If I cannot drink, smoke, fornicate, lie, cheat, steal, etc., then I can preach to others on sin and sins with great conviction!
My wife
I have to thank my wife, Tammy Wilson, who is not without fault and has had her share of failures, but is a woman that lives Holiness!
- Her dress will not be to short.
- She is not going to drink socially.
- Not going to cures
- Not going to keep company with those that practice.
Coming out of the Baptist church, it was seeing her walk out righteousness that has made me a better man!! Where there was no personal conviction in my life in some area at one time, seeing her, living with her, and knowing she is a holy woman brought conviction!
She is a woman of God 24/7. Do I like it all the time? No!! But it helped me to experience the true transformative power of God.
Sanctification
1 Peter 1:16 says, "Be holy, because I am holy." Our call to holiness is a call to set ourselves apart, not just in our avoidance of sin but in our active pursuit of God's righteousness. Our lives should be beacons of hope and change, exemplifying that with God, profound transformation is possible.
As I turn 54, my commitment is renewed: to live a life that not only grows up in God but continues to grows toward Him. Let us together, as a community of faith leaders, recommit to this path. Let's teach and embody the difference between a life lived in sin and a life transformed by the pursuit of God's holiness.
May we all continue to grow not just in age, but in grace and closeness to our Creator.
In Faith and Fellowship,
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