Holiness: A Piece of Cake?

We often enjoy a nice slice of cake at celebrations and social gatherings. Truly, there is nothing more delicious than a chocolate cake made from scratch with homemade peanut butter frosting!

In the 1930’s, the British Royal Air Force coined the phrase “piece of cake” in reference to easy-to-accomplish missions. When we complete a task and say, “Oh, that was a piece of cake,” we mean it was easy to finish.

As Christians, we do not consider holiness or holy living to be a “piece of cake.” Instead, we make a list of reasons why it is impossible. How can holy living be something expected of me in today’s world? Why would I even pursue holiness? Even if I tried, what difference would it make?

Why is there an expectation of holy living?

In 1 Peter 1:16, God gives us a mission: “Be holy, because I (God) am holy.” We are quick to respond with our list of why this is impossible and not really a modern expectation for us. However, this verb “be” in Greek is in the present tense. Therefore, God is asking us even now to be holy, set apart from the world, and surrendered.

With this understanding, we can accept the mission, but it is not a “piece of cake” in our own power. In fact, it is not possible in our own strength.

May I introduce to you the Holy Spirit?

In John 14-16, we see that after Jesus’ death and resurrection the Holy Spirit was sent to teach, convict, comfort, and guide us. John 14:15-17 says the Holy Spirit will be in us. John 14:26 says that He will teach us. John 15:26 says He will testify to us. John 16:13 says He will guide us. John 16:7-8 says He will convict us. Various translations identify the Holy Spirit in John 14:16 as our helper, advocate, counselor, and comforter.

We all have friends who walk with us through life. They are few, but we know them. They help us, stand up for us, counsel us, and comfort us when we need them. They are honest with us and guide us to stay on a good path. When we are discouraged, they encourage us. We trust them.

Why would we not trust the Holy Spirit? He is the powerful one sent by Jesus to us specifically for the purpose of guiding us on this holy walk. He is the one who empowers us from within; we only need to hear and obey His voice.

What about our excuses?

1. We all sin every day. In John 8:11, Jesus said to the woman in adultery, “go and sin no more.” He then sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and guide us. In His power, we can say “no” to sin. In fact, we have no desire to go against a loving God.
2. We are human and get angry. In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul reminds us that we will get angry but that we should quickly settle the disagreement.
3. God is holy, but we cannot be holy. Would a holy God ask us to do something impossible? The Holy Spirit came to dwell in us and guide us in this way. To be holy is to be set apart for God.
4. Only senior saints might be holy. Seniors can be close to God, but they also must make a daily choice to be close to God every day.
5. Only those approved by the Church as saints are holy. Unfortunately, religion and the Church will not make one holy.
6. We can only be holy once we reach Heaven. When God asks us to be holy, it is a call for today. Heaven will be a wonderful place free of temptation. Until then, the Holy Spirit walks with us on this holy journey.
7. Holy living is about the list of things that we must do or not do. God is not looking for the list; He knows our hearts, and He is looking for a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit.

What are the results of this holy walk?

Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Can we have these fruits on our own? No, we will fail every time. Can we walk holy by the power of the Holy Spirit? Yes! To do so, we must allow time for Him to show us and teach us. Invite His conviction. Ask Him which fruit of the Spirit He would like to restore. He is not trying to hurt us, discourage us, or take from us. His small voice will guide us all the way to Heaven.

I Corinthians 13:4-7 also shows us the fruit of godly love: long suffering, kindness, no envy, no pride, not easily provoked, no evil thoughts, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Once again, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants to restore in your life. As a young Christian, envy and pride kept showing up in my life. Once I finally surrendered my whole life to Him and He cleansed me, I no longer wanted the biggest piece of pie, nor did I think I should receive it. What freedom I found!

So, is walking with your best friend a “piece of cake?” Yes! You trust your best friend! The Holy Spirit makes walking in holy love a “piece of cake” because He is with you to convict, teach, and guide you through each step towards Heaven. This is being set apart for God: no rules, just freedom in Christ.

This is your mission: walk in holiness and let the Holy Spirit empower you today.