Some Christians equate holiness with legalism. Legalism is basically the imposition of the use of rules and laws to judge one’s level of spiritually. It is possible for a believer, in his effort to live a life of holiness, to become legalistic in his outlook and actions. But this is not what God intends for His people. The Lord Jesus condemned legalism. The Pharisees, scribes and religious leaders were looked upon by everyone as the holy ones of God. But in reality, they were being legalistic rather than holy. With their legalistic attitude, they accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath, keeping company with sinners, not following the Jewish laws, etc.

Legalism teaches, “If I pray, read the Bible, go to church regularly, give my tithe and offering, I will be accepted by God.” But holiness teaches, “I want to pray, read the Bible, go to church regularly, and give my tithe and offering, all because I want to thank God for accepting me.” Do you see the difference? It has been said: Legalism seeks to gain acceptance by God while holiness is an outgrowth of our acceptance by God. When we are engulfed by thoughts like, “What will others think of me?” or “What if others ask me about my Quiet Time? What should I say?” our spiritual alarm bell should sound. Such thoughts reveal that we are trapped by legalism.

Holiness is all about an inward change of heart. We want to be holy because we want to please God, not for show, not for self-glory, but for the glory of God. God's house does not need actors and actresses. These belong in the world, not in the house of God. The house of God needs men and women who would live holy lives for Jesus and obey His Word faithfully, willingly and lovingly. Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." God is the One who gives us salvation and He is also the One who calls us to be holy for the simple reason that He is holy. The word “holy” means to be set apart. It calls for separation from all uncleanness and spiritual filth. To be holy means we are very conscious of sins in

First, we must study the Word of God. If we want to live a holy life, we must read God's Word and obey it. It is in the Word of God that we learn that God hates sin. If we know God hates sin, we will not want sin to be part of us. Sin is the sure way to destroy holiness. The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:11, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Holiness is to keep every, and any, sin out of our life.

Second, we must pray daily. How is your prayer life? When was the last time you prayed, minus the thanksgiving prayer for your food? I am guilty because very often my life is not filled with prayer. Without prayer, there is no power. It is almost impossible for one to be holy without a consistent prayer life. Prayer is a time when we draw strength and power from above to help us fulfill our different responsibilities as a Christian parent or child, employer or employee, teacher or student, friend of believers and unbelievers, etc. It is said that prayer is a well of life for the Christian. The devil trembles when he sees the weakest saint down on his knees in prayer. Are we too busy to pray? The Lord said in Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not ."

Third, we must serve God. All of us who are wonderfully saved and bought by the blood of Jesus Christ belong to this exciting family of God. Why exciting? It is because we are all so different and yet we all make up the body of Christ. Some may be the eye, some the ear, some the feet, and some others the hands. And no one is to say, “I don't need you at all.” In the body of Christ, we all need one another. We all need to support and help one another. Some may be weak, others may be strong. So the strong can help the weak. And no one is strong all the time. The time will come when the strong will become weak and the weak will become strong. And the roles will be reversed. This is service. When we serve one another, we are serving God. And God has designed in every believer to have at least a gift to serve Him and one another with. You may have the gift of singing. You may have the gift of teaching children. Use it well. Never for self-glory, but all for God’s glory. It has been said, “If you choose not to use your gift or talent, you are depriving others of the benefits and blessings.” This is very true. Let us serve the Lord together.

Fourth, we must witness for Him. Jesus says in His Sermon on the Mount, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt 5:11). Chinese New Year (CNY) is round the corner. Get ready to give out CNY gospel tracts. Let us make use of this opportunity to let our light shine. Let us be prepared to witness for our Saviour. Does the world see Him in us? More often than not, we do not have a godly testimony and that becomes a hindrance to our sharing of the gospel. Do not let the evil one succeed. If we have indeed shamed the name of Christ, quickly repent and work harder to honour the name of Christ by doing the right thing. Yes, it is easier said than done. But we still must do it. If we do not shine for Him, others will not see Jesus in us. A walking testimony is always a greater witness than just a talking testimony. A holy life lived for Christ is the answer.

Be holy. And not be legalistic. May the Lord help us that we may be holy in all manner of conversation. As God is holy, let us be holy also. On behalf of the Church Session and Ministerial Staff, I

wish you a blessed Chinese New Year. Amen