Randall Murphree
AFA Journal editor
November-December 2007 – Last weekend I participated in a three-day Christian experience at which one of the speakers talked about holiness. The subject is too often avoided or purposely ignored, even among pastors, authors and teachers whose aim is to motivate and challenge us toward an exemplary faith in daily living.
The speaker shared a personal experience in which he had been among strangers in a professional setting when another participant there remarked, “You’re a Christian, aren’t you?” He was startled to discover that his demeanor, his words and his actions had been so closely observed that the lady concluded he must be a Christian. His very presence had exuded an air of Christ-likeness, of holiness.
Some would say that true holiness is not attainable. Not true. Some would say that holiness and AFA’s style of Christian activism are principles that cannot exist together. Not true. Scriptural admonitions abound urging us toward holiness and toward living out our faith as light in a dark world. I think Paul puts his finger on the key in Ephesians 1:4 when he says Christ chose us “to be holy and without blame before Him in love” (NKJ).
If our light is authentic, love must be the impetus, the motivation. Dr. Frank Wright, president of National Religious Broadcasters, wrote in a 2004 commentary that our personal holiness does matter in all that we do in Christian media ministry.
Dr. Wright suggests four critical attitudes for our consideration. They are as appropriate for personal reflection as for corporate reflection by groups such as NRB and AFA:
First, our work must be motivated by love. Jesus established His church on earth both to proclaim the love of God and to show the love of God in tangible, personal ways. It is for us, individually, to show forth the reality of that love.
Second, our work must be done as unto the Lord. Jesus made it clear that when we serve others we are in reality serving Him. We should do everything with excellence, integrity and zeal, for we serve the Living God.
Third, our work should be for the benefit of others. When William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, was near death, he sent a communication to Salvationists around the world. His message contained one word: “Others!”
Fourth, our work should be for the glory of God. Jesus said, “If I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto Myself.” The direct reference is to the cross, but the indirect reference is to our role of exalting Christ, of making His glory our end and aim.
Can we be holy while picketing at an abortion mill? Absolutely – if the motive is love. Can we be holy while expressing our dismay, or even disgust, with an offensive television commercial that mocks Christian faith or flaunts casual sex? No question; yes – if the motive is love. Can we be holy while objecting to the radical gay agenda and laws that give gays special rights? Certainly – if the motive is love. Can we be holy while boycotting a company that is bent on destroying traditional Christian values? No debate; yes – if the motive is love.
The follower of Christ is challenged throughout Scripture to demonstrate the love of Christ in every situation. To exemplify that kind of love requires us to seek diligently for personal holiness. And we can measure our holiness by the evidence of love in our motives. 
