Holy or Glory

Uncommon Beauty

The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. —Psalm 149:4

For some folks, the word holiness conjures up images of stuffy prudes—people who are “good” in the worst sense of the word, with sullen and morose faces. They are full of self-righteousness and rigid duty, “on hold for the next life,” as a Washington Post writer put it.

Most people long for truth and goodness. Yet that desire can be frustrated by what they see in some Christians, whom they perceive as self-righteous and judgmental. To unbelievers, such “virtue” is far less interesting than vice, with the result that they cling to their vices even though they may hate them. Joy Davidman, the wife of C. S. Lewis, said, “One sanctimonious hypocrite makes a hundred unbelievers.”

Would that the world saw the real thing—that extraordinary quality of life of which Peter speaks—a life so winsome and attractive it will draw others to the Savior (1 Peter 2:12). “If only 10% of the world’s population had [holiness],” C. S. Lewis mused, “would not the whole world be converted and happy before year’s end?”

We can have it! As we yield our lives to God’s Spirit within, we can live lives of uncommon beauty before a watching world. Israel’s poet assures us, “The Lord . . . will beautify the humble” (Ps. 149:4). —David H. Roper

Beautiful faces are those that seem

With the very love of God to beam;

Beautiful forms are those that grace

With gentle service the lowliest place. —Anon.

Live so that others will want to know Jesus.

i truly agree tis! i've been thinking bout tis long ago..

what's so proud to be a strong/holy christian if he/she does not have love, then wat's the definition of Holy? and why is he/she trying to be holy/strong?

i think people who r really in need (christian or non-christian) dun bother how much light shine upon u (thou i dunno where's the light from), how many bible scriptures applied in ur conversation, how well u serve in church, even which church u attend, so on and forth, but they r observing how u've experienced God and how much u care for them. y shld we set our self so "high" and ignoring ppl around us?

pursuing a holy and righteous life is essential, loving ppl around us is initial