Page 1 - Hungering for Holiness in a Wicked World

Hungering for WORLD

in a

February 2016

An Amazing Fact: One reason that swans can float so
gracefully above a murky pond is that they constantly clean and
preen their pure-white feathers, combing them with a special
oil that comes from a gland on their tails. This antibiotic oil
waterproofs their feathers and protects them against lice. If they
should neglect caring for their plumage, however, their feathers
would soon become dirty and waterlogged—and they would lose
the ability to fly!

“These are the ones who … washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”

(Revelation 7:14).

Dear friend,
Jesus came to save us from our sins. He longs to see His purity reflected among His

people, presenting “her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).

Can you imagine the mighty church we would have if every believer hungered
and thirsted for righteousness as intently as a swan guards its plumage? We would
soar to new heights of evangelism! “Create in me a clean heart, O God. … Then I will teach
transgressors your ways, and sinners will be converted to you” (Psalm 51:10, 13). A sanctified
people is the most potent argument for the truth.

But, let’s admit it, today you can scarcely see a difference between the professed
followers of Christ and the world. That’s why I’m not surprised by the steep moral
decline we see around us. God warned this would happen!

“In the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves,
lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers
of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of
God, having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1–5).
Even as the media continues to saturate the airwaves with messages promoting
sin—nothing is more dangerous to the cause of Christ than a church that is indifferent
about holiness in our homes, sanctuaries, and daily lives.

(over, please)