“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.” (William D. Longstaff) One of the great hymns that exhort each other in worship is indeed ‘Take Time to be Holy’ by William D. Longstaff. Written around 1882. It emphasizes an essential aspect of biblical spirituality--spiritual life is lived intentionally, it requires effort. Billy Graham said years ago that to go to hell we don’t have to do anything, the road leads there anyway. But to make it to heaven, one has to really steer away. Holiness is not just having good thoughts, deeds or attitudes. It is not defined in reference to us or to our world around. It is living a life that pleases God. God alone is holy and he demands that ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’ (1 Pet 1:16 ESV). Actions, words, thoughts, attitudes and all that do matter but only if it meets God’s standards. His ...
“I don't know what I think until I write it down.” ― Joan Didion.