THE HAPPINESS OF HOLINESS

There is pleasure in sin, or else we would not pursue it.  But, it is like the pleasure a fish enjoys when it tastes the bait—the pleasure quickly turns to pain when the hook is set. On the other hand, true and enduring happiness is found on the highway of holiness. The best is deferred until heaven, yet what is the brief sacrifice we may make to do right in this life compared to the eternal bliss of glory?  Still, there are blessings now, as well.  Today, we will focus on a few terms in Proverbs 28 which are descriptive of the holy.

1.  RIGHTEOUS. “The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion.”  (v.1). Being in a right standing with God enables us to stand without fear.

2.   LAWFUL. “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them.” (v.4). They are law-abiding, both in obedience to principles taught in God’s word and in respect to authorities God has established to govern us.

3.  BLAMELESS. “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good.” (v.10). We won’t be sinless until we reach heaven, but we can sin less. 

4.  REPENTANT. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (v.13). When the holy falter, they do not cover up, but confess up!

5.  REVERENT. “Happy is the man who is always reverent, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” (v.14). This inner disposition toward God sets the outward direction in godliness.

6. FAITHFUL.  “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (v.20). The holy are faithful in pursuing the things of eternity rather than running after the things of earth.

7.  BELIEVING.  “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the LORD will be prospered.” (v.25). This is the basis for holiness: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb.11:6).  

Would people describe me this way?  What about you?  This is a great goal for this year. Walk on the highway of holiness and you will experience the happiness it brings—a “joy inexpressible and full of glory,” (1 Pet.1:8).