<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way"
Review: As it is written in Matthew 7, the narrow way leads to life, and this is a profound, brilliant book that helps modern mankind find their way to that little road, that is covered with billboards and brambles these days; it will bolster your will, and also is forthright to point out where we are straying, and blocking the light from our lives.
Part One, "Turning Your Heart Toward Holiness", explains what the Biblical references are to the terms "holiness" and "separation", two words that have a daunting sound. Perhaps one of the reasons this book has not gained as large a readership as Dr. Wilkinson's other books (another reason would be that this is a much tougher read than his others) are the words on the cover; most of us want to "join the crowd" rather than be "set apart", and holiness seems like such a lofty, unobtainable goal, but with the help of this book both ideals become accessible.
The chapters in this section delineate the different stages of holiness, and the preparation of consecrating one's life to the Lord.Part Two is "Victory Over Temptation", with Chapter 5 giving us "straightforward, commonsense communication about daily living in holiness", Chapter 7, has "Anti-Temptation Tools for Victory", and Chapter 8, "The World's Toughest Temptation", which is of course, lust ! It has candid teaching on intimacy in marriage that might surprise some people, and should be required reading for anyone contemplating marriage or already wed.
Part Three, "Habits of Holiness", is empowering and life-changing. Chapter 10, "Foundational Habits", revolutionized my prayer life, and the journaling tools given in "The Habit of Journaling" are wonderful. There is also more on prayer in this chapter, giving 14 categories to concentrate on, such as Spiritual Vision, Service, and Intercession. Dr. Wilkinson recommends that four to six categories are enough to focus on for the first year. The final chapter is on "Praise and Fasting", and how fervent praise and joy help us in our quest for holiness, and gives examples of different fasts that many find to be a spiritual aid.
It pained me to reach the end of this book, because it nourished and taught me so much; however, it has many sections that I will be using for reference, and many passages that I have underlined, that will be re-read countless times for guidance and inspiration.
God bless Dr. Wilkinson, who truly has encouraged me in my "personal pilgrimage towards holiness".
<< 1 >>
| 
