HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Those three words appear in sequence within two passages of scripture: Isaiah “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” and Revelation 4:8, “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” In Isaiah 6, one of the seraphim introduces the Lord to Isaiah. In Revelation, John is introduced to Lord. The careful student will note both introductions speak of tremendous reverence when introducing the Lord. “Holy” means, “sacred” in both passages, and the word “sacred” means “holy.” Therefore, though synonymous, we note the highest regard is expressed for this divine being!
Several years ago, when I started preaching (actually, it was a “short talk” in those earliest days), it was expected of me to wear a white shirt, tie, and at least a sports jacket. “Preachers need to set an example of dignity,” was the stated reason of my parents, and I learned to respect that requirement. I watched carefully when we went from place to place to hear other gospel preachers, and sure enough, they also wore a white shirt, a nice tie, and at least a sports jacket. After engaging the work “full-time,” I continued the attire and when asked about it during hot summer days, would often respond laughingly, “It’s the rule of the trade,” and would never remove my jacket.
Nowadays, I still wear a tie but often use colored shirts, but only occasionally wear a jacket. It isn’t because I have reduced my respect for the work or for Whom I labor, but simply because I get uncomfortable wearing the jacket. I honestly don’t believe there is a “uniform code” for preachers, any more than there is one for others who take public part in the worship. But I do believe there is a “code of holiness” that needs to be obeyed when we are serving our God! Decency and orderliness are commanded during our worship (1 Corinthians 14:40), and this is because of the HOLINESS of God.
Matthew 18:20 has been erroneously used in defense of small attendances. Truthfully, the passage has nothing to do with the number of those assembling for worship, but rather it speaks of the number needed to settle disputes; showing us that when two or more are gathered to make corrections and rectify their fellowship, God is in the midst of that settlement. (Read the context!) Nonetheless, via Hebrews 13: 5 – 6, we realize the presence of God, and from Matthew 26:29, we realize the presence of Christ when we commune. As well, Romans 8 speaks fluently of God the Father, Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. How can one worship God acceptably in reverence and godly fear, (Hebrews 12:28) in spirit and truth (John 4:24) without their presence? Therefore, recognizing the HOLINESS of God, Christ and the Spirit cannot be denied. We must present ourselves fittingly to admit this holiness (Romans 12: 1 – 2).
To state it plainly, we dare not become so “casual” in the presence of God, that HOLINESS is set aside! Holiness must come from the heart and can never be a fictitious appearance. Even when NOT in the assembling of worship, our attitude must reveal through our actions that we remain in the presence of our Father. (See Psalm 139) We must realize no one can bring God “down to their level,” but rather we must ascend to Him! God is not man, but man is created in His image. Does it not reason that the HOLINESS of God would be a part of our makeup, (i.e., our soul) and therefore our responsibility to keep it (our soul) holy? That is accomplished by faithfulness (Revelation 2:10; 2 Peter 1: 1 – 11). Without such conduct in all we say and do (Colossians 3:17), there is no HOLINESS in us … not even when we worship!
My parents taught me, “Wherever you go, remember you are a gentleman.” When I became a Christian, they changed only one word of that reminder: “Wherever you are, remember you are a Christian.” That discipline has served me well for nearly three score years and ten. We Christians are God’s children (Galatians 3: 26 – 29) and He is due much more than “casual” from us! The apostle John stated it this way: “Whoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5: 1- 3) Yes, the world will take notice of us when our speech and actions reveal our understanding is holiness in our lives. As Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Our worship always expresses how holy we present ourselves to Him. Can it be improved? Can we increase our display of holiness? Certainly! But we must first make sure this holiness is in our hearts, for out of their abundance, our actions come (Luke 6:45).