Batman Forever came out in 1995 and was a hit movie, at least that summer. To me, it was the best of the Joel Schumacher Batman movies. It was definitely better than the Batman and Robin film following it. I realize that many people were worried that Chris O’Donnell’s Robin was going to be similar to Burt Ward’s Robin who would become frustrated and make comments like “Holey rusted metal, Batman!” Chris O’ Donnell did say,  “Holey rusted metal, Batman!” in this film, but meant it as a descriptor of metal that was full of holes and rusted and not an as an exclamation. It was hilarious.

Holiness is something that I really struggle with. I find even the word stifling and uncomfortable. To me, holiness is something that is for old men whose biggest joy in life is having a full bowel movement and being able to reach down and put their socks on by themselves. To me, it is not sexy and it is or attractive. It is not something that any Heavy Metal group sings about (well there was Stryper…). I want to be good, but not too good. 

The Simpsons – Not Running For Jesus – YouTube

And I have definitely have suffered from the intolerant and shallow comments of people who I thought they were full of holiness. They have given me a perspective of the church and holiness which is full of holes and is like rusted metal, worthless. 

Yet Jesus was holiness and He did not make it look like something only for the old and he was not judgmental. He always looked at people deeply: the woman at the well, the fisherman he called, even the thief on the cross next to Him. He met these people where they were and showed them how to fill the holes in their life without making them feel less than. He was so unlike all of us.

But what is holiness for us? I do believe that it is more than just not drinking, dancing, or chewing, or not going with girls that are doing. I also believe that holiness is not condemning those who do. I believe holiness is living in fellowship with Him and yes, obeying Him when He says something is wrong for us. Lisa Whittle, in her book, Jesus Above Everything wrote:

If we trust a perfect God, we will trust that His version of us is the best…(pg. 142)

Many people resist this on the grounds that they just want to be…themselves. Yet I believe that the Lord wants us to be individuals, the best version of us that He made us to be.

And all lives at times turn to rusted metal that is full of holes. When you know the Lord you can trust Him to fill those holes with His presence, His hope, and His love. There is a wholeness about it and a peace in the midst of the maelstrom. You do not go around condemning because you are living for an audience of one because you know we ALL fall short of Him.

Exodus 19:5. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.

—————————————————————————–W.