Summer is here so let's talk about SPF. It's also Holy Week so let's discuss HOLINESS.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the measure of how well a product will protect your skin from sunburn. This Holy Monday, let's talk about another SPF that can protect you from the temptations of this world, the evil one & our own broken nature. This SPF protection also leads you to holiness.
Being holy should be our priority because it is the pursuit that God gave to everyone.
What does it mean to be HOLY? It means to be "set apart." It means consecrating, dedicating ourselves fully to God so that we should be His & His alone.
“Can I be really be HOLY?”
The simple answer - YES.
The Gospel today, John 12:1-11, gives us very good pointers on how to be one.
Here's the “SPF” to being HOLY.
"S" - SERVE. John 12:2 says that during supper, "Martha served.” In verse 3, it says that, Mary “anointed the feet of Jesus & wiped his feet with her hair.” Mary & Martha both served. They served Jesus & the disciples. Jesus expects you to serve God & others too. Serve God by giving Him your best. Mary's ointment was worth "three hundred denarii" (John 12:5). That's a lot of money at that time! But Mary didn't hesitate to give it all to God. You are called to SERVE others. Especially those who are weak & cannot pay you back. Jesus says that “when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, & you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:13-14). That's why Holy week calls us to do almsgiving. Give more. Give God your all.
"P" - PRAY. There’s another story in the bible where Jesus hangs out with His friends Martha, Mary & Lazarus. In that episode Mary “sat at the Lord's feet & listened to his teaching” (Luke 10:39). That is PRAYER. Jesus affirms her act but saying, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). PRAY because God wants a relationship with you. Always find time to PRAY because all relationships need time for it to grow. How much time in prayer did you spend during #Lent2021?
"F" - FELLOWSHIP. Who was with Jesus in Bethany? Lazarus, Martha, Mary & the disciples. They were having dinner. They were at the table exchanging stories. They were having fellowship. They were hanging out with Jesus who is the Holy One of Israel. The point is simple. If you want to be HOLY then spend time with Jesus (PRAYER) & also spend time with fellow believers who also want to be HOLY. That is what FELLOWSHIP is all about. They say that we become what we read. Here's another truth, you also become who you hang out with. So spend time with people who will love & encourage you. Be with people who will support one another because God calls us to "Bear one another’s burdens" (Galatians 6:2)
Serve, Pray & Fellowship are keys to being HOLY. You’re meant to be a SAINT. It will be difficult but always remember that with God everything is possible (Luke 1:37)
Have a blessed & grace filled #Holyweek2021! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com
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