I was on my knees one evening not having any motivation to pray or knowing what to pray for. A feeling of emptiness. The year had been one of the biggest challenges in my Christian walk. God commands his people to be holy for He said He is holy. And on my knees I knew I had been failing.
As I was on my knees not knowing how to pray for holiness, God reminded (a random thought that came into my mind) what I’d been doing about my diabetes. How regimented I was becoming about monitoring it and making the necessary adjustments in my diet to bring it in control or keep it in control.
Earlier this year I had my physical and the results were not pretty. So I'd decided to watch my diet more carefully starting late October, keeping track of my blood glucose levels before and three hours after every meal. This allowed me to see the effect of what I ate. Based on the results I adjusted what I ate and drank. I also started researching about various diets that would help me keep my diabetes in check, yet retain muscle mass. Through trial and error, I was figuring out what worked for me to get the results I desired. In November 2008 I'd decided to trust in God than on medicines.
Holiness, I was reminded on my knees, similarly needs the individual to continually check and see where they stand. If something is not right (be truthful to yourself!), make the necessary corrections. Feed on / meditate on God’s word (the Bible) regularly so that you know what’s right and what’s not (Joshua 1:8). Be in communication with God, through prayer, so that your mind is in tune with godly things. Keep at it - check yourself continually. See where you are going off course. Correct your thoughts and desires. Control your passions. God’s word says pray always so that it becomes second nature. And, you will be able as Christ to overcome the lust of the eye (covetousness - desiring the riches of the world, material riches), lust of the flesh (the appetite for indulging in all things that excite and inflame sensual pleasures) and human pride (the craving for the grandeur & pomp of life, thirsting for honor & applause).
In the book of Colossians 5:17, apostle Paul reminds us that the two forces, our holiness & our sinful nature, are constantly at battle. Our choices are never free from this conflict. But take heart, for Christ said since he’s overcome the world, we shall too. He’s a man of his word! So, help me God.
CeCe Winans - Holy Forever
