“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice
of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
– Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: Psalm 65, 1 Peter 1
What do you enjoy doing? What makes you happy? Is it something that is lasting and memorable, or is it a temporary “happiness fix?” We all like to be happy. We want to be happy. We enjoy being happy. Happiness is fun! Nobody would argue with that. But when it comes to being happy or being holy, which do you choose? Can you be happy and holy?
The real problem comes when the things we believe make us happy are, as much as we don’t want to admit it, sinful. Maybe it’s that TV show you’re hooked on that glorifies things contrary to God’s word. Maybe it’s that “guilty pleasure” that you like to sweep under the rug. Maybe it’s a relationship you know is unhealthy. “But it makes me happy!” we cry. Happy for a time? Perhaps. But is it a lasting happiness? If we’re honest with ourselves, the answer is no.
When does “harmless” become “harmful?” When does happiness become an idol that we pursue at the expense of holiness? We must be careful not to let what we think will make us happy get in the way of what God dictates we must do to be holy. Ultimately, true happiness comes not from the worldly things that we think will make us happy, but from God’s gifts in our lives. Living a life fully devoted to God and following his commands leads to a life that is richer, fuller, and happier than anything we can imagine! Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) says to “delight yourself also in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart.” God wants us to be happy, and when we delight ourselves in him, he gives us the best gift of all—himself!
So yes, we can be happy and holy. We just have to find our happiness in the right place: in God!
“Happiness comes from holiness. You can’t truly be happy unless you’re hungry for Jesus Christ.”
– David Jeremiah
Be fearless: Most people don’t get the whole holiness thing, but God does, and that is all that matters. It is part of his plan for us. Holiness brings life, peace, and true happiness. When you choose holiness, you get happiness as a result. With God, you can have both!
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year.
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.