Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept:Holiness in the ordinary refers to the sanctification of everyday life and the recognition of God's presence and purpose in the mundane aspects of human existence. It is the understanding that holiness is not confined to religious rituals or sacred spaces but permeates all areas of life, including work, family, and daily routines. Biblical Foundation: The Bible presents holiness as an attribute of God and a calling for His people. In Leviticus 19:2, God commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness extends beyond ceremonial law to encompass all aspects of life. Holiness in Work: Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage emphasizes that work, regardless of its nature, is an opportunity to serve Christ and reflect His holiness. Holiness in Family Life: The family is a primary context for living out holiness. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her." This sacrificial love is a reflection of Christ's holiness and is to be practiced in the ordinary interactions within the family unit. Holiness in Speech and Conduct: James 3:10 highlights the importance of holiness in speech: "Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their words and actions, ensuring that their conduct aligns with their faith. Holiness in Community: The early church exemplified holiness in community life. Acts 2:46-47 describes, "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This communal living was marked by holiness in ordinary fellowship and shared life. Holiness in Personal Devotion: Personal devotion and prayer are integral to experiencing holiness in the ordinary. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages believers to "Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This continuous attitude of prayer and gratitude sanctifies daily life. Holiness in Suffering and Trials: Even in suffering, believers are called to holiness. 1 Peter 1:6-7 states, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Trials are opportunities for holiness to be manifested through faith and perseverance. Conclusion: Holiness in the ordinary is a comprehensive biblical theme that calls believers to recognize and live out God's holiness in every aspect of life. It is a reminder that all of life is sacred and that God's presence and purpose can be found in the everyday moments of existence. Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |