Have you ever thought of the impact of “minor sins” (bɔne nketekete) on the pursuit of Holiness?
“Minor sins” are unholy practices most often overlooked. Mostly, they are considered as normal due to pressures such as economic tensions, social influence and emotional challenges. These pressures come with the urge to sin, causing many Christians to fall from the grace.
But I keep asking, should we, as Christians, continue giving in to impurity and deciding when to be holy or not? The answer is No, because every unholy act whether major or minor is still sin.
Holiness means being pure and free from defilement. It is part of the universal calling and salvation we have received from God. “For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). “For he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence” (Ephesians 1:4).
To begin, the necessity of Holiness should never be compromised because it is essential to maintaining fellowship with God. The Psalmist asked, “Lord who shall dwell on your holy hill?” (Psalm 15:1). I will summarize the answer given in the verses 2 to 5 of the chapter as “he who leads a holy life”. To enjoy the fullness of God’s fellowship, holiness must never be taken for granted. Though prayer is part of fellowship with God, yet we cannot approach Him in prayer while still clinging to impurity.
To add, Holiness is vital for effective service unto God. The one responsible for making our services effective and fruitful, is the Holy Spirit, yet He grieves whenever we sin or live unholy lives, because He hates ungodliness. This makes Him find it difficult perfecting and prospering our services.
Think about these, who would pour the best wine into a filthy pot? Can service be truly rendered to God with unclean vessels? According to II Timothy 2:21, holiness and usefulness are interconnected, so our service is only effective and valid when it flows from a holy life.
Lastly, Holiness is also necessary for the believer’s assurance of salvation. A continuous holy walk assures us that we truly belong to God.
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14.)
As a call to action, Hebrews 12:14 reminds us to make conscious efforts to live holy lives. The Bible declares that all deeds will be judged, therefore, let us beware of so-called ‘small sins’ (bɔne nketekete), for they can eventually grow into “greater sins”.
Since we were made in Christ, our pursuit of holiness must be intentional and continuous. It is high time we said ‘NO’ to ungodliness, sin and worldly passions, and live with self-control, uprightness and godliness in the present age.
Holiness should be considered our topmost priority in our daily lives as Christians and not an option.
Our lights must shine everywhere we find ourselves.
By Elder Ishmael Atsu Sefenyatso
Anum Apapam District, Suhum Area.
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