Especially Special

On my mantel is a small but treasured collection of pottery.  My first piece was a gift from a daughter-in-love, brought from Montana.  Over the years, I’ve collected other pieces, mostly handcrafted by local artists.  Now, I know these treasures don’t measure up to the collections of mounted animals on our living room wall or scads of camouflage attire here, but they are “treasures” all the same!

 

What does it mean to be “set apart?”  There’s a very good reason my pottery collection is set high on my mantel, out of the reach of certain sweet little hands.  It certainly isn’t to punish or deprive, but to protect both the pottery and the sweet little hands from injury!  The word “holy” means to be set apart, distinct, different.  The Bible tells us that God set apart certain things for Himself: “You shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.” (Leviticus 20:26).  When Mr. Bill and I spoke our wedding vows 38 years ago, we pledged ourselves to one another and from all others.  What priceless promise it is for followers of Christ to know, without shadow of doubt, they belong to One Who chose them and gave purpose to their lives.  His design for all Believers is to make us like Him, free of what threatens and binds, and holy as He is holy.  Righteousness need not wear a long face or seem heavy or burdensome.  Oh, no!  It is the glory of God revealed in us – speaking boldly and effectively of Who Christ is!  Are you feeling especially special?  You should be – you are called out, set apart … You belong to One.  Let us live so!