A Call to Holiness
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:13–16
William Longstaff inherited a successful shipping business from his father and resolved to use his resources to further God's work. He was a close friend and early supporter of William Booth and the Salvation Army. When D. L. Moody's evangelistic campaign in England was put in doubt because of the death of the main financial backer, Longstaff stepped forward to ensure the needs were met so the meetings could continue. During that campaign, Longstaff shared with Ira Sankey, Moody's songleader, a poem he had written after hearing a sermon on holiness. Later his words were set to music, and the hymn is still being sung today.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
We all know that we will become like the people with whom we spend the most time. The question for us then is, “Am I becoming like Christ by spending time with Him?” When it comes to the matter of holiness, spending time with God is essential. Since He is perfectly and completely holy, separated from sin in every way, the time we spend in His presence will change our lives and let His holiness be more clearly seen in us.
1 Peter 1:13–16
William Longstaff inherited a successful shipping business from his father and resolved to use his resources to further God's work. He was a close friend and early supporter of William Booth and the Salvation Army. When D. L. Moody's evangelistic campaign in England was put in doubt because of the death of the main financial backer, Longstaff stepped forward to ensure the needs were met so the meetings could continue. During that campaign, Longstaff shared with Ira Sankey, Moody's songleader, a poem he had written after hearing a sermon on holiness. Later his words were set to music, and the hymn is still being sung today.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
We all know that we will become like the people with whom we spend the most time. The question for us then is, “Am I becoming like Christ by spending time with Him?” When it comes to the matter of holiness, spending time with God is essential. Since He is perfectly and completely holy, separated from sin in every way, the time we spend in His presence will change our lives and let His holiness be more clearly seen in us.
Today’s Growth Principle:
The key to holiness is not found in our strength or willpower, but in our time spent with God.
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