Livin’ Close Enough to Shine
Welcome, friend. Go on and pull up a chair and settle yourself in like someone searchin’ for a quiet place where the Lord might whisper somethin’ steady to your heart. The cool breeze is driftin’ through these pecan branches like it’s real busy readin’ the mornin’ news, and a bold lil’ ol’ barn swallow keeps swoopin’ low tryin’ to convince a stubborn ol’ possum that the top rail of the fence is reserved only for lil’ feathered creatures that actually know how to fly. Watchin’ that whole commotion reminded me of 1 Peter 1:13-16, where we’re told to think clearly, exercise self‑control, and live as obedient children. Holiness just ain’t about lookin’ polished. It’s plum about stayin’ close enough to God that His ways start rubbin’ off on you the way the scent of cedar clings to your clothes after you have been sittin’ outside for a while.
1 Peter 1:15 says, “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” And Psalm 119:11 fits right alongside it sayin’, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Holiness grows when we stay near to the One who sho’-nuff’ makes us holy.
Holiness has always been a tricky word. The Pharisees thought they had it figured out because they followed every rule they could find. They treated holiness like a checklist, but Jesus came to show us that it’s a relationship. He died so His holiness could cover our sins. When we accept His salvation, we become God’s children, and children tend to take after their Father. Holiness just ain’t about bein’ flawless. It’s plum about bein’ faithful.
Le Ann Payne wrote that holiness is both a gift and a way. It’s the way of remainin’ in Christ, listenin’ to Him, and carryin’ out His orders. Folks who treasure holiness ain’t the ones puffin’ themselves up like an ol’ feisty rooster that thinks he owns the whole barnyard. They’re the humble ones, the ones quick to say, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” They repent quickly. They walk gently. They stay close to God because they know wanderin’ off leads straight back to the old habits.
Peter warns us not to be slippin’ back into our old ways. Holiness through scripture, prayer, meditation, and fellowshippin’. It ain’t about bein’ perfect. It’s about stayin’ plum connected to the One who is perfect.
Father, I have judged myself by false standards and blurry mirrors. Help me see myself as Your child, loved and made new. Teach me to walk in Your holiness today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright then, friend, as you carry this truth with you today, let it settle in your heart the way a barn swallow settles onto a fence rail at dusk, calm and sure that it belongs there. Holiness is not loud or showy. It’s steady like a river stone that has held its place through years of rushing water. It’s gentle like the moment a sparrow pauses mid‑flight, hoverin’ just long enough to listen to the quiet God stitched into the world. And it’s powerful enough to reshape your whole life one Spirit‑led step at a time, the way a single seed can split open a field with wildflowers if given enough sun and patience. So walk forward with hope, friend. God knows how to make His children shine in ways that surprise even them, all for His honor and His glory.
With joy,
Gwen
With joy,
Gwen
