Holy Yours

“You are to make a pure gold medallion and engrave it, like the engraving of a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.” Exodus 28:26 csb

I really enjoy going to the library in my neighborhood. It’s right around the corner from our home—we can walk there, and we often do. I love browsing the aisles of books, checking out the different sections and genres. I usually find myself in the Sci-Fi section. I scan the titles and covers, and most of the time, I end up walking out with nothing. But when I do leave with a book, I enjoy taking it home and reading it—although I never seem to finish it. Why? Because the book doesn’t belong to me. It’s on loan, and there’s a time limit. It’s kind of frustrating because I’m not a speed reader, and usually, I can't finish the book in the time I’m given. Since it's borrowed, it must be returned—or I risk a late fee. Now, going to an actual bookstore? That’s a different story. If I walk out with a fresh book from there, I know I never have to return it. I can take my time reading it because there’s no due date. That book belongs wholly to me!

In our midweek service, we’re going through the book of Exodus. This week, as I was preparing my sermon, I came across the scripture referenced above—Exodus 28:36. This instruction to Moses is about his brother Aaron’s turban, which he is to wear while serving in the Tabernacle. A gold plate was attached to the turban, and inscribed on it were the words, “Holy To The Lord.” I thought, what a remarkable reminder of who Aaron belongs to. He belongs to the Lord, who is holy. There’s a bit of a play on words in English here. Holy means “set apart.” That’s exactly what the scripture is conveying—Aaron’s mind, thought process, and entire psyche are to be set apart for the Lord. The English play on words is wholly—as in entirely, fully.

As a Christian, the Bible tells me in 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “...You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” Just like that book I purchased from the bookstore—it's wholly mine, entirely and fully, with no due date. It belongs to me because I paid for it. In the same way, Christ has purchased my life. I am wholly the Lord’s. That means, like Aaron, my life should be Holy To The Lord! Since I’ve been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, my life should be set apart—holy—for the Lord. Whatever He wants me to do, whatever His plans are for my life—it’s His, at His command. So to with all Christians. Like Aaron, that includes our thought life. The things we dream about—are they His dreams? The plans we make—are they part of His plans? As someone bought and paid for, I don’t get to just do whatever I want to do—but rather, I follow what He desires for me to do. Now, that might freak some people out. They might think, What if God wants to harm me? What if His plans are bad for me? But His Word tells us the exact opposite.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I (GOD) know the plans I have for you”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

That doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? Actually, I think it sounds amazing! It takes a lot of weight off me—trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do with my life. Instead I get to go to Him in prayer and His Word (Hebrews 1:11) and ask Him what he has planned for me. I know he has my well-being in mind. He has a future for me! Aaron’s future was to be the High Priest in the House of the Lord forever. And as Christians, we are called kings and priests (1 Peter 2:9). It is His desire that we, too, dwell in His house forever—serving in His temple all the days of our lives—because we are Holy To The Lord, and through Christ purchase on the cross of Calvary, we belong to Him wholly. And you know what’s great about that, we are never returned! So ask Him, “Lord what do you have planned for this life of mine? What are your thoughts about _________(fill in the blank), and see what He would have you do!

Agape, Frank

Dialogue, Teach, Love

“Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters” Romans 14:1 csb

Two neighbors planted gardens side by side. One carefully measured the distance between plants, followed a strict watering schedule, and only used organic compost. The other tossed seeds with less precision, watered as needed, and used store-bought fertilizer. One day, a disagreement broke out—whose method was better? But as the season went on, both gardens produced beautiful vegetables.

Within the Church, there are those who are younger in the faith and those who are seasoned men and women of God. There are different denominations and expressions of orthodoxy. Yet we are all called to make disciples—whether seasoned or not. Especially for the mature believer, there is a clear call to teach, to be patient, and to walk alongside newer Christians with grace.

The Holy Spirit does not desire that we look down on others who may not share the same level of maturity, convictions, or doctrinal understanding that we do. Sometimes, the Lord may lead a believer to abstain from certain movies, music, or foods—while another Christian may not feel convicted about those same things. And that’s okay.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (CSB), “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up.”

We are not called to sit in judgment over one another but to walk in love. We’re not meant to be argumentative—especially over non-essentials, things that do not pertain to salvation.

Instead of casting people aside, Paul says, “accept” them. Now, don’t misunderstand this as accepting sin—that’s not what he’s saying. We cannot affirm sinful lifestyles within the Church when Scripture clearly speaks against them. But like the gardeners with different methods, fellow believers may have different ways of living out their faith in Christ or doing church in their communities. That shouldn't cause us to dismiss them or treat them as inferior. In fact, if we respond with arrogance or condescension, that says more about our own heart than it does about theirs.

So, ask questions. Engage in conversation. You might be surprised—you could learn something new. Then take it to the Lord in prayer. Ask if He might be leading you in a similar way. You never know. Our aim should always be to build one another up, helping each other grow in Christ and become more like Jesus.

Agape, Frank