Something has happened to Holiness! In the frenzy of our activities, we don't see her around anymore. Actually, come to think about it, it look as if she has been gone a long while.
We didn’t evict her; but since we only recently noticed her absence, it is evident we have neglected her. Yes, our Holiness is missing!
Born Again appears to be alive and well. And at times the Charismatic Gifts family makes an appearance, though not very often. But where is Holiness?
Our lamented Holiness is not that frowning-faced, dark-only-garments legalist who always yells, "WORLDLY," even to the healthy fun, laughter and joy displayed by believer. Rather, our sweet, gentle Holiness graced the Church with her vibrant beauty. She encouraged us to be as Christ was in the world. Her stabilizing presence comforted us with the assurance of seeing Him (Heb. 12:14).
Reliable sources report that Holiness left when she felt deprived of her true Scriptural essence. Apparently, she thought we demoted her to the inferior status of a theological anachronism. Reports added that she appeared in anguish over this, claiming we considered her demeanor unsuitable to our modern lifestyles. The reports conclude that, most likely, this induced her to leave.
A general feeling of dismay now is discernible among those of us who once knew her. We did not intend to ignore Holiness. Not only do we consider her infinitely suitable to our age, but absolutely essential to our welfare. We wish to tell her this, and of our conviction that God's Word remains as immutable as its Author. She must be told that we desire to embrace her.
Holiness also must be apprised of our awareness that, without her, the Church is fated to lose its commission as Christ’s Church. She must be notified of our realization that, without her beauty imprinting its conduct, any church organization degrades itself to the mundane status of a mere organization, a fate we do not desire. The Holy Spirit also is grieving over the absence Holiness. He knows she is essential to our maturity (Rom. 6:19-23; Ep. 4:1-32).
Holiness always had pure intentions toward us. She defined her mission clearly by avoiding complicated theological jargon. She task was to shield us from the spiritual dangers of the world and set us apart for God's use.
She continually gauged us by this criterion, proclaiming that her lifestyle alone qualifies us to see God (Heb. 12:9-14). And we learned that her beauty characterizes the true worship that empowers our spiritual victories (I Chron. 16:27-29; II Chron. 20:15-22).
The departure of Holiness deprives us of our "beautician" (Gal. 5:19-26; Ps. 93:4-5; 96:6-9). The Holy Spirit uses her to prepare the Bride of Christ for the wedding day. He imparts the beautifying qualities of Holiness to the Church. By her ministrations He cleanses, purifies and transforms the Bride into the nature of the Bridegroom. Therefore, it is vital that Holiness be located! We must permit her to resume her intended role in the Bride; the process by which the Holy Spirit transforms us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ (II Cor. 3:17-18; Rom. 12:1-2).
What happened to Holiness; where is she? We all must join in the search for her. When we find her, we must welcome her with rejoicing, for the Bridegroom misses her beautifying attributes in His Bride.
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