Although this quote was included in Sunday's sermon, it is well worth meditating on further. It was first preached by Charles Spurgeon.
"When a man gets a clear view of the holiness of God it is all over with all claim of personal excellence. From that day he abhors himself in dust and ashes. I might have thought myself pure, but how can I be when I find that the heavens are not clean in God’s sight? I might have thought myself wise, but how can I be when I read that He charged His angels with folly?"
The idea that we think less of ourselves the more we catch a glimpse of God's holiness is a significant suggestion. It is a humbling concept that often flies in the face of our personal and cultural expectations. However, a quick scan of the times in the Bible where people caught a glimpse of God confirms Spurgeon's suggestion. Each time the viewer is struck by God's magnificence and perfectness their lives are drastically changed; not just how they think of God, but also how they think of themselves.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Why is Spurgeon's thought particularly important for our lives and culture? Is there a particular area of your life in which you find this especially challenging?
- In his sermon Spurgeon asks, "Did you ever pray for holiness, and really mean that you wished to be considered holy? Have you ever prayed in public with great fervour, with a half-suppressed wish to be thought a special man of God?"
- How might we gain a deeper understanding of God's holiness? How does that affect your prayers?
- How does a clearer view of God's holiness impact how you pray 'Holy be Your Name'?
If you are keen, you can find Charles Spurgeon's sermon here.