Finally, holiness

As we approach the subject of holiness I’m reminded of the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Different groups of workers are hired at different times throughout the day. Then, at the end of their labour they’re all paid the same. Clearly there is understandable shock for those who did a full day’s work under the burning the sun – they are aggrieved by the injustice. 

In our day the union would call a strike, and everyone would be out.

As with other parables, Jesus uses hyperbole to create drama or to make a striking point to get our undivided attention.

Two things come to mind. First, this is not to be taken as a literal understanding of the workings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Second, to completely contract myself, Jesus introduces the parable with His familiar phrase, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like this…”

Drat! What now?

Perhaps, our thinking of the Kingdom of Heaven is like this, but can you now see how ridiculous it is?

Of course, the parable is about grace, which is abundant and unmeasurable, leading to the reality that no matter who you are, ‘the pay’s the same.’ But our thinking, as it is so often, is misled. God’s Kingdom is not about our input and God’s payment. What is it that we are seeking to measure? How are we to assess each other’s wages?

In reality, 2000 years ago, Christ gave His ALL for us. And our response, in being a true disciple, is to leave and follow – i.e. to give Him our ALL. Whether you’ve been following for 20 years, or 20 months or 20 weeks, ALL is ALL. The joy of being one of His, is almost unfathomable and indescribable. Some get that within days of believing; some still don’t get it. The labourers worked for a payment they could then use on other things. But to paraphrase Simon Peter (from the end of John 6), when the whole of you has been enthralled in the whole of Him – where else can you go? What else do you want? 

Holiness is often an uncomfortable subject for both the religious and the rebellious alike. Yet for the disciple, it’s simply the process of the God who gave ALL making His residence within the ALL of us. You can fight against it – and miss out. You can legalise your response, foolishly thinking you can gain what is already yours ‘in Christ’. Or you can surrender and worship the King in the splendour of His Holiness (Psalm 96:9).

May we use this month (the remainder of Lent) to allow the Holy Spirit to recalibrate our walk with God, avoiding the pitfalls of both disobedience and misplaced piety.

Have fun – now that’s not something you normally read in the introductory paragraphs to Christian holiness.   

Finally, holiness