Holy Ghost. Holy Spirit. Holy Church. Holy Bible.

The word Holy is used a lot in the Christian walk. Sadly, it is often used in a derogatory manner as well. Yet when we recognize and appreciate the love of Jesus for us we will begin to understand and fully appreciate the word “Holy”, and this is my prayer for this article.

So what does the word mean?

The dictionary will tell us: exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness. I think that says a lot about the word we so commonly use. Exalted – set high above everything that ever has or ever will be in existence.

When you think of God do you consider this to be His place in your heart and life? Exalted above all else in your world? If not, then reconsider his place in your life, and your place in Him.

The next definition we see is “worthy of complete devotion” – complete devotion. Do we place complete devotion to the Lord of our lives? Do we place His ways and call upon our life before our family, our careers, our friends, or even our own selfish desires? Complete devotion is a powerful thought, for it means more than just God being available for our cries and occasional prayers, but God being a deciding factor in all that we do and all that we are.

Alfred the Great was the ninth-century king who saved England from conquest by the Danish. At one point during his wars with the Danes, Alfred was forced to seek refuge in the hut of a poor Saxon family. Not recognizing her visitor, the woman of the house said she had to leave and asked Alfred to watch some cakes she was baking. But the king had other things on his mind and did not notice that the cakes were burning.

Upon her return, the lady unknowingly gave her sovereign a hearty scolding! (Today in the Word, April 9, 1992) This lady showed no respect for the king because she didn’t know who this man really was. In many ways 21st century Christians are just like this 9th century woman. We show no respect for God because we do not know who He really is.

Just as this woman viewed her king as a mere common man so we today have brought God down to our level, or even less. He is now no more than the “big guy up stairs.”

However, the manifest presence of the God of the Bible struck terror into even the holiest of hearts and the Scriptures reveal that great men of God trembled and fell to their faces when they found themselves in the presence of mere angels. Yes we should love God as our Father, yet those who fear the Holy Lord are wise.

I have audibly heard the voice of Jesus once – and although it was not a rebuke, it still brought me to a place of shaking and trembling. God is good and God is great – yet most importantly God is HOLY, and should be honored as such.

I pray for you today that his presence, holiness, and the love of Jesus overshadows you and transforms you into his image!