Monday: The Beauty of Holiness
Psalm 96:9 reads, “Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Tremble before Him, all the earth” (NKJV). How do we understand this concept, “the beauty of holiness”? What should this mean to a Christian, and how should it impact what we teach about art and the beauty often associated with it?
Though it has been said that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” we mustn’t forget who it was who created the eye to begin with (see Prov: 20:12).
Image © John Baker at Goodsalt.com
Though we have to be careful not to worship the creation itself (see yesterday’s study), from the beauty of the creation we can learn about God and, indeed, His love of beauty. If our fallen world still looks so beautiful, who can imagine what it must have been like before the Fall? And this teaches us that God indeed is the Creator of the beautiful.
Study of arts and sciences can and should, then, draw us closer to the character and heart of God. Because we are a part of God’s own artwork and scientific phenomena, we can also learn more about our own identity in Christ.
“God would have His children appreciate His works and delight in the simple, quiet beauty with which He has adorned our earthly home. He is a lover of the beautiful, and above all that is outwardly attractive He loves beauty of character; He would have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers.” — Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 85.
Read Genesis 3:6. What does it teach us about how beauty alone isn’t necessarily good or holy? See also Prov: 6:25, Proverbs 31:30.
As with everything God has done, we have an enemy who distorts and exploits it. It shouldn’t be surprising, then, that beauty and concepts of beauty can be used against us, as well. Thus, especially in the arts, Christian education, guided by Scripture, must help us learn to be careful in understanding that not all that is beautiful is necessarily good or holy.
| What are some “beautiful” things that are not necessarily holy and good? Or, what are beautiful things that can be made unholy and bad, depending upon circumstances? What standard do we use to make these distinctions? |
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We can be led astray by our senses. I like the sound of rain,and thunder,especially rolling thunder. However,it can turn to a flood or a terrible storm and cause much damage. The same "seeing" a beautifully decorated cake if we overindulge once we "smell" and "taste" it. It is good to be mindful and watchful at all times. Remember Proverbs 20:12, The hearing ear and the seeing eye,The Lord has made them both.
And give reverence to the Lord.
If you read the lesson notes today like taking your morning medicine, you will note a passing reference to Psalm 96. It is worth doing a detour and reading the whole psalm because not only is it fine literature, it also has a clear message that is an example of what this weeks lesson is really on about. So, I am going to quote the psalm here:
How is that for a bit of literature appreciation to start your day?
Psalm 96 is for me one of the most complete, all inclusive Songs of God's Praise in the Scripture – I love the beauty of its melody, the composition of words which express Praises to God’s Holiness so melodiously; I want to encourage everyone to read it in the KJ version!
Worshiping the Father, our Creator in His own Beauty of Holiness is a what mankind needs to still learn to come to terms with. We are admonished to be holy “for I am holy” – Lev.11:44; 1Peter1:15-17KJV! In which ways is HIS Holiness know to us that we can emulate it in response to His admonishment for us to be holy?
The Fruit of the Spirit expresses His Holiness; the Beatitudes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount describe it; Christ’s teachings about our personal and interpersonal actions expounds on it and the 10 commandments highlight areas to base our civil conduct on – godly loving kindness toward each other is how see I the Father’s Holiness manifested in our lives.
To be able to live like this, we need to love the Father first with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding and extend our love to others in the same way we want to be treated – Matt.22:37-40KJV; (40) "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets".
If God has pointed to His Holiness to be worshiped by/in/with, these 4 verses would set us on the right track - it provides the Light and Truth for us to walk in His Way.
Yes, thank you Brigitte, thank you Lord. This lesson should indeed have been about the beauty of holiness. Instead, it talks about the holiness of beauty. Not good. I believe God's holiness everyone needs to focus on. Otherwise many will not see their need for repentance.
While the "beauty of holiness" is an abiding theme on our spiritual journey, I think it is also important to consider the expressiveness of that theme in the arts and sciences. I don't consider that the "holiness of beauty" but rather a projection of the holiness of God through the arts and science. All too often we consider these disciplines as opposed to belief rather than an expression of the holiness of God.
Maurice - I can only see the beauty of God's Holiness in His Righteousness; yes, there is beauty in God's Creation, though this is not the same beauty as the Beauty of His Holiness, which is Supreme righteousness.
His Righteousness is supremely Holy and supremely Beautiful as reflected in His Creation at the time when He had called it "Perfect"!
2Cor.5:20,21KJV - ".... we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God(and HIS righteousness). For he that made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him"; this is the faithful believer's holiness in Christ Jesus.
I hear what you are saying Brigitte, but as a science teacher in a classroom I am faced with students who, if I started talking about the beauty of God's holiness in his righteousness, they would roll their eyes and fire spitballs at the ceiling. I have been in the situation where I have to teach students about the love of God in a chemistry class and it has to be meaningful and practical. And I have to get through a syllabus by the end of the semester. There is beauty and design in science and hopefully I teach it in such a way that students pass their examinations and gain an insight into the creator at the same time.
For students in Year 11 Chemistry, getting enthusiastic about the periodic table and the basis of the chemical properties of the elements and their compounds is a step in the right direction towards appreciating the beauty provided by the creator. Hopefully, when they are mature enough, they may come to appreciate the "Beauty of Holiness" but in the meantime, they are learning about the relationships in the physical world designed by the supreme architect.
Dear Paul, I like your distinction between "the holiness of beauty" and "the beauty of holiness". I feel both are worth further prayerful meditation. So in looking deeper into "the beauty of holiness" this morning here are some texts and quotes I'd like to share:
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
One Bible dictionary defines holiness as "separation to God and conduct fitting for those separated".
Author Frederick Buechner wrote that "holiness is not a human quality at all, like virtue. Holiness is ... not something that people do, but something God does in them".
Romans 6:4 (NIV) shows us HOW God gives us holiness: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life".
We no longer follow our old ways of self-gratification and instead, as further down in Romans 6:22 it says, "Now that you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life." (NLT)
Doing the things that lead to holiness includes being a vigilant gardener, asking God to uproot any weeds in my character that are choking out His Spirit before they become ugly habits. For instance, the believers in Corinth had become overgrown with jealousy and quarreling (1 Cor. 3:1-3) and Paul told them to do some weeding, to separate themselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, "perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." (2 Cor 7:1).
Author Dennis DeHaan tells us the weeding process in 3 steps:
1. Identify sins of the flesh or the spirit (Gal. 5:17-21)
2. Call them sin and confess them (1 John 1:9)
3. Stand firm in your position in Christ (Gal. 2:20)
Asking God that the beauty of Jesus' character be what others see in me / us.
Do an internet search for "Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!" and also "CASACL - Flashmob in Copenhagen underground - Peer Gynt". Here are 2 examples of bringing God's glory into ordinary everyday situations of our world. The beautiful harmonizing in music is a form of God's grace, I think, which moves us to tears (I love the soulful reactions of the passengers on the Copenhagen train - and in both instances the diversity of participants and listeners). Living a life of holiness means being unafraid to bring God into each moment of our days, living a life totally devoted to being an instrument of Jesus and Christlikeness. Bringing peace to confusing and chaotic situations. Being the hands of Jesus to lift a weary friend. Listening. Being present. Flash mobs are planned by the participants but are a surprise to the weary shoppers and travelers. Just so, God plans his loving acts towards us (Jeremiah 29:11) and these signs of His care can at times overwhelm us when we are least expecting Him and we are left worshipping and trembling before Him, and refreshed.
I looked those up and they are inspiring!! Here are two more songs to enjoy:
"O Come all Ye Faithful" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI2c9yptr4U
"Angels from the Realms of Glory"
These are art and honor to our Savior!
Thank you, Beth! Beautiful! Would love to sing door-to-door this Christmas, especially with many sheltering in place what a gift of grace to fill a home with joy! I like the quote that appears on the first video: "You'll never know how much light you have within until you try to shine it for others."
Welcome!! I love this online Sabbath School family!!
The power of music is truly uncontested. Children learn verses and minds are affected through music. Many have been brought closer to Christ by it's heart reaching power. Just reading the Psalm in Maurice's post had me humming the hymn. Sometimes life gets heavy and we can't see any beauty in it. When even Jesus is seemingly hidden from us, (though we know He is not!) a little song may wend it's way into our minds and draw us closer to Him. We are told that Jesus sang to those with heavy hearts. Spiritual music and poetry together make great companions for uplifting the mind to holiness.
So true, Priscilla! My Mom had a gorgeous soprano voice and our family traveled on a circuit singing in churches Saturdays and Sundays. One that my Mom sang was "Blessed is the Man". A beautiful atonal piece. I realized recently that I know all the KJV text of Psalm 1 word for word just from hearing her sing that so many times as a child.
Per the study guide: Study of arts and sciences can draw us closer to the character and heart of God. He loves beauty of character; He would have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers.
How can we develop a character as beautiful as a rose?
Firstly we ask the LORD with David : O God, create a pure heart in me, and renew a right attitude within me. Ps 51:10, Matt 5:8, 2Cor 5:17, Rom 12:2
Then we invite the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion, to be our helper, our counselor, our soulmate. John 14:16-17 KJV, John 14:26, John 16:13-14
That is how we develop the fruit of the Spirit - Love, joy, peace, - longsuffering, kindness, goodness, - faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Gal 5:22-23
The nine are divide into three groups of three - inward, outward and upward.
Imagine someone who displays all nine characteristics - they would have a beautiful character!
Hi Shirley, You made excellent points about how we can develop a godly character. I especially resonated with the inward, outward, and upward nine elements. I see parallels with character development and salvation...both begin with the fundamental grace principle then move into growth and spiritual maturity. Another item I want to add is the beauty of how the Sermon on the Mount aligns with the Fruit of the Spirit. This clearly demonstrates how God threads His love for us throughout the Bible and for me, this reflects the consistency of His art and science.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for pointing out how the Fruit of the Spirit tied up with the Beatitudes. I appreciate how there are gems in the Word of the LORD, like the Beatitudes which are easy to memorize and can be used as a basis to share the gospel, even when one is out and about.
Jesus proclaimed the Beatitudes in a nutshell and then proceeded to explain the application to one's life. Just like the LORD gave Moses the 10 commandments and then proceeded to provide detailed applications.
I like to collect these gems - treasures - to be able to answer queries at the drop of a hat.
Renaissance painters seem to have often interpreted Bible stories in their art. There are many paintings and etchings and sketches on the return of the Prodigal Son, for example. As I was looking at some of these online, and also some more modern artworks, I was looking specifically at the father's face and how the different artists portrayed him. I remembered the story of Absalom returning to his father King David. I thought of how David wouldn't meet with Absalom and Absalom never did reconcile with his dad or see his face. What did David's face look like when anyone mentioned his son? We read how he reacted when Absalom was killed (2 Samuel 18:33). The beauty of holiness includes the beauty of forgiveness. What does forgiveness look like? We have a picture of the Prodigal's return in Luke 15:20. What did it look like on Joseph's face when his brothers appeared in Egypt after all those years of estrangement? (Gen. 43:30 and Gen. 45:1-2). What did it look like for Jacob and Esau after all those years apart? (Gen. 33:4). The Arts can inspire us to imagine the Bible stories more deeply and to gain insights through others' eyes. In this meditation on the beauty of forgiveness, my prayer is that God give me and all of us His grace to completely let go of all pain that others have brought to us or that we have brought to others because only then can we enjoy the beauty God desires for us.
Esther,
Our world would be drab, dull, and hopeless without the art!!
All beauty comes from God, but men can distort it. We need to be careful with extremes. Anything taken to extreme, even by being beautiful, can be deceitful and evil. Beauty alone can be dangerous/empty.
We had this discussion on this phrase when we were studying worship of the LORD, because that is what the Psalm is all about, not us.
If we study the context and compare a few translations we will see that verse 9 is describing the LORD, it is a parallel verse to verses 7 & 8 it is saying attribute glory to the LORD because He is splendid.
I believe the study guide was concentrating on the beauty of the LORD's character which is reflected in the beauty of His creation.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourished. Psm 103:15
The Beauty of Holiness
Psm 103 starts with Bless the Lord, O by soul and ends with Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Today the flower is used to show us the beauty of Holiness that God as the creator and sustainer had made for man. Yes, the very flower is compared to human life. His days are as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth, the wind passeth over it, and it is gone: and the place thereof shall know it no more.
Jesus in Matt 6:29-31. He was teaching us not to worry about things of this life. Today the lily is here, tomorrow it is harvest, but Solomon the wisest and richest man cant even compare himself with the lily because he was not arrayed like one of them.
The fruit of the spirit has several characters, mainly nine.
A flower has several characters- bright, decorative, decidedly rare, precious and fragile, tiny yet decorative, humble but solitary, strong and winsome, sweet and olden, exotic and fragrant etc etc. Are we as Christians become like the flower to others/unchurched when we are around in their presence.
Song- Oh how marvelous you are to me and holy are you Lord, desperately I long for more of thee and holy are you Lord. Oh the beauty .....If Christ is holy as Christians said, we will be so desperate to live like him. To love him supremely and our brothers like ourselves.
What I have done- In showing my love for my fellow brothers and sisters I like to wear face mask, actually two to protect the less healthy in the society and those with health challenges. I even like to wear an eye shield/glasses to protect both of us. I let go of my travelling so that others can live to see another anniversary or birthdays of their grand children. I go out if I really have to. Give up large gathering for now. Jesus said he delights in life and not death. Satan takes delight in seeing humans dies.
I have always enjoyed reading the lessons but today’s lesson has left me troubled. There is a sense of fear I see after reading this towards the arts and sciences that saddens me.
I would like to remind us that the character of God doesn’t just involve His children basking in the quiet beauty of His glory, as Ellen White eloquently puts it but also involves making a joyful noise unto the Lord… and to come before His presence with singing as our holy scriptures state.
The hosts of heaven erupts in song and praise when one sinner repents.
We serve a God of community - not just a God of individualism… we are encouraged to share His art with every kindred, tongue, and people.
Not all of God’s children are called to be His artists because God loves all people and charges us with His spirit of love and beauty.
It is imperative to speak their language - their artistic language or they will not understand. As the body of Christ, we as a church body are judging what we do not understand. The youth are leaving the church, people have shied away from bring visitors to church because of our consistent need to judge brought on by our fear - and it has manifested itself especially in the arts. Which is not holiness.
As an artist, I would like to encourage our brethren not to live in fear and judgement of artists and scientists. The hand does not look like the eye, they eye does not look like the breast, etc. We are meant to be different - and yet come together to make harmony. Fear is driving us to sing only the melody.
This is the art of what the world needs to see with us - especially with us Seventh Day Adventist Christians.
To appreciate the beauty of God's holiness I must first walk the way of holiness. "And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." Isaiah 35:8.