The Unlikely Impact of a Holy Life
In today’s world, it’s unlikely that a person like John the Baptist would be considered for a leadership role in a church. His unconventional appearance and unorthodox methods would likely be seen as a public relations nightmare. Yet, despite his rough exterior, John was able to draw in crowds and inspire hundreds to convert.
A Life of Purpose
So, what was it about John that made him so effective? It certainly wasn’t his charisma or his fashion sense. Nor was it his wealth or social status, as he had neither. The answer lies in one word: holiness. John’s entire life was centered around his purpose of being a voice for Christ. Every aspect of his life, from his clothing to his diet to his actions, reflected his commitment to this goal.
The Power of Holiness
John’s story reminds us that there is a unique appeal to holiness. You don’t have to conform to the world’s standards to make an impact on the world. You don’t have to blend in with the crowd to change the crowd. In fact, it’s often the opposite. When we live a life that is set apart, dedicated to serving God, we can have a profound influence on those around us.
Living a Life of Integrity
So, how can we apply this principle to our own lives? It’s not about trying to be weird or unconventional. Rather, it’s about living a life of integrity, where our actions and words align with our values. It’s about being faithful to our spouses, honest in our business dealings, and kind to our neighbors. It’s about being people of our word, who do what we say we’ll do.
The Respect of Others
When we live this kind of life, we earn the respect of those around us, even if they don’t share our beliefs. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). By living a holy life, we can make a difference in our world, one small step at a time.
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