Holiness

People used to tell me, "James your the holy type.." according to them, i'm holy because i wouldn't miss youth meetings, prayer meetings and services for anything! One of my friend, Alvin would always say, "James ar? The one always must pray before anything one.." These are the sayings i recall after last night's celebration service, the title for the sermon was "Call to Holiness"
I recall, many times when people gives me those comments, i would at the back of my head told myself:"Yeah rite?! as if i'm ever that holy, James you are a hypocrite! How could u ever be call holy when you fall into temptation and sin everytime!?" Those were the words i uttered to myself back then.
Years have passed, and now i'm no longer the sitiawan boy that i once use to be. No longer under the direct care of my parents, church or MYF. Now living my life a big city, in a whole new world. One that gave me a shock the first time i came and still am. Trying to live a holy life here, tyring so hard to be a good christian, to show a good image in college hoping that my friends would see a different person in me, one that doesn't follow the crowd. I remember there was one day, when one of my friend "D" told me this, "James your the holy type". I was literally laughing inside, i never expected such words coming from a muslim friend, i never expected those words to come from anyone. Because, then i thought i was not worthy to be call holy, i mean who am i that i am holy? Am i not a sinner bound to be doomed, but Jesus came to took that punishment, which was ment for me? He took it on the cross, paying my debt with His blood?
Yes that's true. The bible says that 'by His stripes we are healed"(1 Peter2:24). How many times have i wander, am i worthy to be call holy? How could i be, because of the many sins that i have commited! So since it is so hard to strive for a holy living, why should i even bother to try?
Holiness is the pre_requisite to see the Lord(Heb. 12:13). Holiness has the power to draw people. "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy;without holiness no one will see the Lord"(Heb.12:14)
As the service came to an end, Ps Daniel make an altar call, asking that whoever is willing to consecrate their life for God, to be set apart. Seeking forgiveness, driven by the warnings in the bible, by the words of God, of Pastor i responed to the call. As i went front to be pray for, i started to cry, tears just flows down my cheek. Realising that i've stray so far away from ym Heavenly Father. I turn back to Him, after the time of prayer, i felt so peaceful, so happy, i knew i was forgiven and given a second chance to live again. I know that God loves me still and He always wants me back, no matter how terrible i am. So now i decide to strive for a holy living, but it doesn't mean that i'm no fun anymore, i'm still the same, just that i have a new goal in life, new purpose.

Thank you Jesus for saving a sinful and doubtful man such as i. I pray that this will at least reach some of my friends who reads it. May i find favor in You always.Amen