After reading my first essay on God’s holiness, Pepper commented — I can see the mirror concept, it is like being in the desert on a moonless night, surrounded by many cars with their brights on, with no place to hide – his holiness illuminates everything. Then she asked – How does it work in practice?

I think a close reading of scripture that reveals God’s holiness defines both (1) moral structure and (2) personality. This interesting feature of holiness is what causes us to cry out — My Lord and my God, forgive me; yet, the following day we kneel with delighted reverence to admire, adore, and worship the one true living God that inhabits eternity.

In this framework, let us consider the moral structure of God’s holiness. I believe moral structure is defined by the law. But not a version of the law that is meant to crush us with rules. Rather a law that defines life boundaries and clearly identifies the things used by Lucifer to put a wedge between us and God. Additionally, through the Law, the one true living God has given us extraordinary insight into the operations and methods of Lucifer. Each element of the law specifies a tool that Lucifer uses to harm us. For example, the law tells us – do not bear false witness against your neighbor. I suggest we view this as a ‘clue’. Lucifer will set us up with opportunities to bear false witness, if he can get us to take the bait, he will snare us. Cleverly, God has given us advanced warning that this is one of Lucifer’s tricks. God is telling us to stay clear of the snare and avoid trouble.

I think we are wise to pay attention to the insight from the law, for we are informed and apprised in advance of when and how Lucifer hoovers, schemes, and works to pull us away from the one true living God. In all of this we can not loose sight of the concept – less of me and more of Jesus. Jesus gives us the insight and power to avoid the snare.

There is more – Consider the beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Matthew 5:2-12).

The Beatitudes (beautiful blessings) is a profound rendering (application) of the law, presented in unconditional Love, to nudge our thoughts and actions towards his goodness. I think this is a grand view of how to exude holiness in our daily life. The beatitude blessings tell us there is a reward for our yielding to the nudge of God. This is not works-righteousness – this is victorious living. The message from the blessings is humbling and encouraging at the same time.

What then, is God’s holy personality? I believe his personality (holiness) is represented in human terms by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I am speaking of things such as self-control, meekness, faith, goodness, gentleness, patience, peace, joy, and the most important thing of all – love. God is the gold standard for each of these attributes. He is these things. What a wondrous thing to have this fruit of His Spirit laid upon us like a mantle of his glory. Paul says – hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5 paraphrased). A broken and contrite heart will never be rejected by God, our unholiness is wiped clean by Jesus. We take refuge in Jesus. When God looks at us, he sees our redeemer, embedded in us.

I choose Jesus.