Keep the fire burning

As recipients of God’s grace and partakers of His holiness in this just concluded 21-day fasting and prayer programme, we must keep the fire of holiness burning. When the fire of holiness burns ceaselessly, it chases away distractions that are capable of destroying our lives. It should be noted that holiness does not connote laziness or idleness. A holy man is hardworking; he works hard and seeks for opportunities to better his lot.

The devil knew the importance of holiness, which was why he cleverly stole it from the first man, Adam, and made him a destitute. He knew that in holiness there is victory and all the things that a man desires in life will be given to him. As believers, we must jealously guide against the ploys of the devil. He uses little things that man does not call anything to achieve his aim. He uses things like anger, malice, lust, gossip, evil speaking, jealousy, backbiting, adultery, abortion, effeminacy, stealing, corruption of all kinds, embezzlement, disobedience against the word of God, occultism, idle worship, among others, to achieve his aim. The above are termites that can soil a believer’s garment of holiness.

It is the fire of holiness that can burn out these enemies of holiness. However, for the fire to burn always, there must be frantic efforts from our part as believers. We must endeavour to do everything within our power to ensure the fire keeps on burning. In the Old Testament, the priest ensured that woods and other necessary materials are available on daily basis to keep the fire aglow. In the same vein, we should on daily basis do all we can to keep the fire of holiness burning in our lives.

A careless believer who fails to keep the fire of holiness burning is likened to foolish virgins who were not prepared for the coming of the Lord. They were taken unawares because they were not ready. The Lord will come when no man least expected. It is the holiness a believer preserved that will make him qualify for the coming of the Lord. The fire of holiness is on individual’s effort. It is not done communally; the oil of holiness can only serve a believer at a time. Imagine the foolish virgins; they begged from the wise virgins, but were not obliged any oil. We must have enough oil for this journey to the kingdom of God.

There is only one thing that will count after the close of the day: the garment of holiness. The money and other material things acquired will matter no more upon death. In fact, religious activities will not curry the favour of the Lord. Transparent holiness will be all that will attract heaven and provoke people around to serve the Lord.

Holiness confers on us the mind of Christ; the thought of Christ. People around us must see Christ in us. There must be bowel of mercies that flows from our heart. Kindness and forgiveness for one another should be our front burner goal. As believers, forgiveness should naturally be our character. We should also make our light shine to attract people to Christ.

• For further reading: Lev. 6:12-13; Mat. 25:1-13; Titus 2:11-14; John 1:4-5; Phil. 2:1-7; Col. 3:10-17; 1 Cor. 2:13; Eph. 4:21-31; Mat. 5:14-16; Gen. 1:2-3; James 3:10-12; Rev. 5:9-10.

You can fellowship with us @ Kingdom Power International Christian Praying Centre, 65, Oluwatedo Road, Cele Road, Isashi, Ojo, Lagos State. For details visit us @www.kpicpc.org. You can also follow us live on Facebook @kpicpc & YouTube @ kpicpc.