The Offensively Ordinary Steps to Holiness: Embracing God's Extraordinary Work in Everyday Life

The Offensively Ordinary Steps to Godliness

Are you craving holiness in your life? Do you long to be righteous like Christ? If you are in Christ, God has placed a hunger for holiness in your heart. Holiness is not a cramped closet, but rather a beautiful garden, an echo from heaven, the rediscovery of Eden's beauty.

Being counted righteous in Christ is glorious, but it's not enough. You desire to become righteous like Christ, to be holy as he is holy. But how does holiness happen? How do we, as stumbling and distracted pray-ers, learn to pray without ceasing? How do worriers learn to roll their biggest cares onto God? How does pride turn to poverty of spirit, apathy to zeal for righteousness, stinginess to an open hand, and restlessness to relentless calm? And how do we come to know and feel deep down that Jesus Christ is the sum of all that's good in life, that to know him is to live, and to die is our greatest gain?

God teaches us how holiness happens all throughout his word. Yet, we often overlook one prevalent lesson: the ordinary steps to godliness.

The Power of Ordinary

When we think of holiness, we often imagine extraordinary acts or events. We envision great spiritual experiences or supernatural encounters. But God, in his wisdom, often chooses the ordinary to accomplish his extraordinary work. He uses the simple and mundane to shape us into the image of his Son.

Consider the life of Jesus. He came into this world in the most ordinary way, born to a humble couple in a lowly stable. He grew up in a small, insignificant town and spent most of his life as a carpenter. Yet, Jesus lived a perfectly holy life, demonstrating that holiness can be found in the ordinary.

God is not impressed by our attempts to be extraordinary. He is not looking for grand gestures or flashy displays of spirituality. Instead, he calls us to faithfulness in the ordinary tasks of life. It is in the everyday moments, the seemingly insignificant choices, and the small acts of obedience that holiness is formed.

The Offense of Ordinary

The idea of ordinary steps to godliness may be offensive to some. We tend to think that holiness should be hard, that it should require great sacrifice or extreme measures. But God often works in ways that are contrary to our expectations.

In 2 Kings 5, we read about Naaman, a commander in the Syrian army who had leprosy. Naaman expected the prophet Elisha to perform a grand miracle to heal him. But instead, Elisha simply told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman was offended by the ordinariness of the command. He wanted something more impressive. Yet, when he swallowed his pride and obeyed the simple instruction, he was miraculously healed.

Similarly, God often asks us to take ordinary steps of obedience that may seem insignificant or even offensive to our pride. He calls us to forgive those who have wronged us, to love our enemies, to serve others humbly, and to be faithful in the small things. These ordinary acts may not make us feel important or significant, but they are the very means by which God shapes us into the image of his Son.

The Steps of Holiness

So what are these ordinary steps to godliness? How do we walk the path of holiness in our everyday lives? The Bible provides us with clear guidance and examples.

1. Prayer

Prayer is an essential step to holiness. It is through prayer that we commune with God, pour out our hearts to him, and seek his guidance and strength. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul instructs us to "pray without ceasing." This does not mean that we are to spend every waking moment in formal prayer, but rather that our lives are to be characterized by a constant awareness of God's presence and a continual conversation with him.

Prayer is not just a religious duty. It is a means of cultivating intimacy with God and aligning our hearts with his. Through prayer, we express our dependence on him, confess our sins, and seek his forgiveness. We bring our needs and desires before him, trusting that he will provide for us. And we intercede for others, lifting them up before the throne of grace.

Prayer is not always easy. We may struggle with distractions, doubts, and busyness. But God is faithful, and he invites us to come to him with honesty and vulnerability. He promises to meet us in our weakness and to give us the grace and strength we need.

2. Word of God

The Word of God is another vital step to holiness. In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist declares, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." The Scriptures are not just a collection of ancient writings; they are the living and active word of God, able to transform our hearts and minds.

Reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God opens our eyes to his truth and exposes the lies of the enemy. It reveals God's character, his promises, and his commands. It convicts us of sin, encourages us in our faith, and equips us for every good work.

But the Word of God is not meant to be merely intellectual knowledge. It is meant to be applied to our lives. James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." As we read and study the Scriptures, we are to be transformed by them. We are to obey what they say, allowing them to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

3. Community

Community is a crucial step to holiness. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are exhorted to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." We were not meant to walk this journey of faith alone.

Being part of a community of believers provides us with accountability, support, and encouragement. It is in the context of relationships that we are challenged, sharpened, and spurred on toward love and good deeds. We learn from one another, share our struggles and victories, and bear one another's burdens.

Community also helps to guard us against isolation and self-centeredness. It reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, the body of Christ. It teaches us humility, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.

4. Obedience

Obedience is a fundamental step to holiness. Jesus said in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Our love for God is demonstrated through our obedience to his Word and his will.

God's commands are not meant to be burdensome or restrictive. They are given for our good, to protect us, guide us, and lead us into abundant life. When we choose to disobey, we separate ourselves from the source of true joy and fulfillment.

Obedience requires discipline and self-denial. It means saying no to our sinful desires and choosing to follow God's ways instead. It involves surrendering our will to his and trusting that his plans and purposes are far greater than our own.

5. Discipleship

Discipleship is a transformative step to holiness. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

Discipleship is the process of learning from Jesus, following his example, and helping others do the same. It involves intentional relationships, teaching, mentoring, and accountability. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to be shaped and challenged.

As we disciple others, we grow in our own faith and deepen our understanding of God's truth. We learn to love sacrificially, to serve selflessly, and to share the good news of the gospel. Discipleship is not just for the spiritually mature; it is a lifelong journey of growth and transformation.

The Fruit of Holiness

When we embrace these ordinary steps to godliness, we experience the fruit of holiness in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23 describes this fruit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." These are the characteristics of Christ that are formed in us as we walk in obedience to him.

Holiness is not a destination; it is a lifelong pursuit. It requires daily surrender, discipline, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. But as we press on in the ordinary steps of prayer, the Word of God, community, obedience, and discipleship, we will see God's transforming work in our lives. We will become more like Jesus, reflecting his glory to a world in need.

So, are you ready to take the offensively ordinary steps to godliness? Will you embrace the beauty of holiness in the everyday moments of life? Remember, it is in the ordinary that God does his extraordinary work. He calls us to faithfulness, obedience, and dependence on him. And as we walk in these ordinary steps, we will experience the extraordinary joy of knowing and becoming like our Savior, Jesus Christ.