In his book about holiness, J. I. Packer wrote, “Holiness is actually the true health of the person. Anything else is ugliness and deformity at character level; a malfunctioning of the individual; a crippled state of the soul…. Holiness effectively thwarts Satan in his designs on our lives.”¹

We’re always concerned about the health of our children. We want them to get the right nutrition and exercise, to have the right medical care, and to be in a sound educational environment. But the most important way of keeping children healthy is to show them what holiness looks like. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy of “the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).

It’s important to protect our families from destructive influences. What they need to see in us is warm, true, Christlike holiness. Prayer then becomes a great force. Spend some time today praying for your family. And then share a Bible verse with someone in your family circle.

Holiness is the substance of which happiness is the spinoff. Those who chase happiness miss it, while to those who pursue holiness through the grace of Christ, happiness of spirit comes unasked.
J. I. Packer