10 of those

You don’t have to pick between being boring and being bad. There is a better way: a biblical understanding of holiness.

David Brooks’ The Road to Character, and Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, both in their own way underline our renewed interest in character and responsibility today. In the church too we sense the need for a fresh call to holiness. With moral scandals in the news, it is time is to listen to what the Bible says about becoming more like Jesus. What is holiness? Why should we be holy? What place does grace and the gospel play in the drama of becoming more like Christ? And, most practically, how do we become holy?

Dr. Josh Moody leads us with clarity along a path to a simple biblical profundity: holiness is becoming who we are in Christ. Holiness isn’t about a drab or dreary lifestyle. It’s not about faking it, or being inauthentic. Holiness is becoming who you were made to be. There’s a sweetness, a joy, a freedom in pursuing Jesus. We were designed to live like this, so we find our fullest flourishing there.

Focusing on chapters 3 & 4 of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Everyday Holiness starts by highlighting that true holiness begins with new life in Christ. He has not only saved us from death but set us apart for life. Those who are in Christ are not only called to be holy but are given the power to be so through the death and resurrection of Jesus 

Like the Colossians, we need to realize that as, in Christ, we already are ‘holy,’ we are now to live in holy ways, setting our minds and hearts on following the pattern of Christlike living. Moody uncovers Paul’s practical steps to begin, by putting sin to death, including tackling particular sins that are common to us all. 

We put on behaviour befitting our status as chosen, holy, beloved children of God. We wear spiritual clothes that reflect the reality of who we are – a rescued, forgiven people who have been shown grace upon grace, now overflowing to those around us. Everyday Holiness impacts our character, our families, our homes, and our work, as well as the church and wider community.

This book is a must–read for those who are looking to live a full, satisfying life that centres on God. Moody’s eminently practical book is a helpful guide no matter where we are in our spiritual journey.