Does Holiness Really Matter? {Guest Post}
A note from Poppy: My friend, speaker and author, Kathy Howard, has written a challenging article on "Fifty Shades of Gray". Is "women's porn" harmless, or is the Holy Spirit calling us to deny our curiosity and seek a pure mind?
Here's what Kathy has to say:
Two years ago, the novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” caught the attention of American women. Just recently, the promotion for the upcoming movie version has heightened the “Fifty Shades” frenzy. Women all across the country – including many Christian women - gobble up the erotica with a shrug and justifications like these:
- -It’s only fantasy.
- -I’m not participating; I’m just reading fiction.
- -I need to know how to speak to the culture.
Maybe you were even one of those women – one of many Christian women who bought into the lie that it’s no big deal.It is a big deal. And this book is merely one example of believers conforming to the ways of the world instead of purposefully cooperating with the Holy Spirit to be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Rather than actively pursuing holiness, many of us in the church don’t live or look much different than our non-Christian neighbors.Does it matter? Is holiness merely a pursuit for the “super spiritual” or should holiness be a concern for every believer?First, let’s consider the impact of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Studies prove that what we put into our minds – read, see, hear - affects our thinking and fosters a change in behavior. Reading detailed, warped, and sinful descriptions of sexual acts desensitizes us to sexual immorality and harms our marriage relationships.God’s call to holiness is for our good and His glory. He created us. He knows which attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts benefit us. He also knows which ones do not. He also wants His people to be a reflection of His character. To be a light in a dark world that leads the way to the Savior. But far too often we hang in the shadows ourselves.
Kathy Howard’s new 6-week Bible study, Embraced by Holiness, explores holiness – the believer’s call, what it is, what it looks like, how it benefits us, and more. Holiness really truly does matter – for your own life and for a world in darkness.
Let's Talk: Have you given holiness much thought? Is it something you’ve actively pursued in your own life? Why or why not? (If you are an email subscriber and want to comment on the actual post, click here to visit the blog and leave a comment.)
Fueled by the desire to help women live an unshakeable faith, Kathy Howard thrives on studying and teaching the Bible. In her posts you will find practical information and understandable truth from Scripture … often on passages or ideas that are difficult to grasp. She is the author of more than five books and speaks at numerous women’s events annually. Be encouraged and challenged by her blog.Follow Kathy on Twitter andFacebook.
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Poppy Smith
International speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coach
Inspiring Women to Thrive!
Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.
Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.