Article October 21, 1967 Issue

Is Holiness Practical?

HENRY BARTHOLOMEW COX

What does it mean to be holy? Is such an attitude practical today? Ancient communities often greatly venerated their spiritual leaders in their lifelong demonstration of good because of their wholesomeness and strength of character. Such exemplary individuals as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Elijah, receiving the approbation of the world around them for their holiness, stood apart from their fellows.

In Biblical times persons who manifested the attribute of spiritual wholeness were claiming their oneness, or unity, with God. Individuals like David and Joseph were also practical men of affairs. They were natural leaders, whose seldom impaired innocence and godliness made their judgment generally sound. Their holiness lay essentially in their willingness to rely only upon God and to serve Him at every turn. Their goodness was a strong influence upon others, and this fact shows that holiness is a quality that can be acquired, that the gifts of purity and ability to heal can be imparted to those prepared to receive them.

Christ Jesus labored for the advancement of holiness, and the practical manifestation of his work was physical and moral regeneration among mankind. The pure standard which this absolute adherence to good required is not impossible for men to realize, or else Jesus would never have enjoined his followers to go and do as he did. The moral imperative required of Jesus did not constrict his activity. This discipline of a refreshing adherence to Truth was welcome refuge from the cares of error for him and his disciples.

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