How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing… It is irresistible. If even ten percent of the population had it, would not the world be converted and happy before a year’s end?
C. S. Lewis
Several years ago my spiritual father introduced something fresh, fun and honest among a group of  guys he was mentoring. He would shake your hand, than look you straight in the eye and ask you this question “are you living a holy life?” Thinking about it now, I think I will call it,  “The Accountability Hand-shake.”
Within time everyone in the group was doing the same thing not only to members of the group, but to friends and love-ones. Eventually, everyone in our church community adopted the hand and look in the eye as a way to keep their friends accountable.
Sometimes, our “how are you?” just don’t cut it. You usually get that – “I’m good and you?” response right back. In fact, most of our encounters as believers begin and stay on a superficial level, without any real life change moments. And some believers are even afraid to drop the H-bomb (holiness) in conversations because they are not living victoriously themselves. But, there could be no better time to open yourself up for counseling, encouragement and prayer.
So, today, I want you to take this post as my handshake and my look into your eyes. I’m not going to let go until you give me and honest answer – “are you living a holy life?” And for heaven’s sake can somebody please ask the same question?
Picture via BLC Memories
Walter Bright 
Amen Walter! Thanks for sharing the handshake….I’m living the life…but I know I can do better!
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You are welcome brother!
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Great post, idea, and reminder! Well done.
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Thanks my friend… I will see you on your blog!
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Wow! What a way to drop the H bomb. An inspiring examination of truly living a holy life. Thanks Walter!
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What a way to hold others accountable. Thank you! And I might like to add, as I shake the hand, “Are you living wholly?” Living fully for Christ with purpose as He did in His walk on this earth?
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It seems to me like I am on track today… but that’s just me talking… I am more concerned about what HE thinks… so I am listening. “Search me oh Lord, and know my heart today, try me and know my thoughts, see if there be some grievous way in me, lead me in the way everlasting!” psalm 239:23, 24
Great question… thank you!
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I am humbled by your question. There is room for improvement. Thankful for His love and mercy. Blessings! –Anne
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feel the same here… it all by his grace and mercy… thanks for the comment!
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Bless you Sir Bright, ” Dropping the H bond” is on reflection of it be. This accountability will us in line with our growth, in Christ, causing to live holy
which is so needed at this time. I too join hands
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Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” I just love it when we can stir one another to good works… Not with a “holier than thou” spirit, not in a judgmental and critical spirit, but in humility and the fear of the Lord. I receive your hands of accountability. Remembering Heb. 10:24 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
Thanks for your comments!
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~Hello Walter…Thank You for Extending Your Handshake and Question…Upon Reflection, I Have Room For Expansion in Living a Holy Life…
…I Extend my Internet Hand Back to You and handshake You…and ask back, “Has Your Life Been Holy Today?”~
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Thank you for the hand extended… I am tempted to say I’m doing good… But again Paul warns – ” if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall”
So, today, grace is what I’m resting in and hoping to be empowered by!
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Through the grace and forgiveness of God I try daily to live by the example of Jesus, and when I fail I take his hand and ask for his help to get back on track. Now are you living a holy life?
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I know all my righteous acts are like filthy rags… So today I’m resting in his grace and praying that I’m empowered by the same… Especially today… I am growing a little impatient about somethings!
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It’s when we need patience most that God gives us things to practice it. For me today, I’m resting in the Lord’s promises to see me through, and the hope for that wonderful day in Glory, when our bodies will be whole and our tears will be dried.
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