The Beauty of Holiness -- Part II

Another factor in the beauty of holiness is dignity.  I am not talking about aristocracy, except as I might speak of the aristocracy of character.  I am not thinking of the rank that an individual attempts to create for himself, and is afraid lest those about him will not realize that he has it.  I am talking about a dignity that is spontaneous, that flows naturally out of a life.  It is something that I can see in the wholly sanctified, even those who may not have much of a formal education, and perhaps not too much of formal culture or refinement.  On the other hand, they have God in His fullness; and that of itself gives to them a dignity, a status in their group, a respect from those about them that nothing else can produce.  Money can’t bring it; position can’t convey it; education in and of itself can’t guarantee it-only a holy life can cause it.

Some time ago I visited an industrial plant. There were some working there who not so many years ago were in sin, but now they are saved and sanctified.  Without any effort on their part at all, that is, so far as creating a standing is concerned, they now have a place in that organization which they didn’t have before they found this glorious experience of perfect love in Christ.  There is a sense in which one might say that getting saved and sanctified always lifts one above the social level where he was before.  It gives him a standing which was never his before; not because of anything that he consciously does to bring this about, but because of that which is seen in his life-the radical change which has been brought about.

Thus there are in the beauty of holiness not only variety, color, symmetry, or order, but there is also rank, or dignity.  Further, any person who has these characteristics in the spiritual realm sets forth an example which is attractive and inspirational.  His very presence has lifting power.  It is not only pleasing and attractive, but also it is beneficial and uplifting.  One definition of inspiration is given in these words:  “It denotes the awakening, quickening, or creative impulse especially as manifested in high artistic achievement.”  This well describes the effect of the beauty of holiness.  This means that he who has become holy, and lives the holy life, becomes an artist for the Master; better still, he is a work of art himself, a divine production.  He who is holy holds a unique place in the art gallery of life.  God is painting through him a picture which is attractive and enabling, which will tell for Him as it is exhibited day by day in this sinful world.  Therein lies the beauty of holiness!

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (I Chronicles 16:29)


--Stephen S. Wright