My parents visited from Oregon this summer, and we saw more of Iowa than we'd seen in all years since our own arrival. It was a perfect excuse to visit places we'd been meaning to see, but somehow had never gotten to. But pace began to take a toll on my kids and yesterday my son began to complain. In my "philosophical father" voice, I said, "Just relax and enjoy yourself. We're on vacation."

"I can't," he lamented, "I'm DYING from vacation!"

I instantly flashed back to my own childhood, and I understood exactly what he was saying. There are times when every kid feels like he's dying from vacation. For me, those times usually began about three days after school was out for summer. I joyfully kicked off my shoes after I'd leaped off school bus for final time. Except for church and an occasional trip to town, those shoes and I would remain strangers rest of summer.

During first two days of vacation, I could feel chains of structure and obligation begin to melt away. Summer stretched out before me like an endless promise. But on third day, novelty began to wear off. (This was long before kids went to an endless series of camps, played little league soccer, summer basketball, baseball, volleyball and gymnastics. You stayed home and lived by your wits until back-to-school time finally rolled back around.)

Our salvation is not accomplished by anything we can do, or be. Our redemption is through blood of Lamb, shed for our sins. Our only responsibility in regard to our salvation is to admit our own sinfulness, realize our total lack of any ability to change ourselves, and accept His gift of salvation by faith. Jesus Christ procured salvation for us. We cannot earn it. We must repent of sin, and then accept salvation as a gift.

So what does John mean by stating Lamb's betrothed wife has "made herself ready"? John is not referring to salvation, which is our justification before God, but rather to fact that Jesus has sanctified us -- set us apart in holiness unto Himself, and that we have a responsibility to daily live in a manner that brings glory to Him. Using another analogy, once a vessel is taken out of mud and is cleaned up, it must not be placed back into mud. As vessels made pure by blood of Lamb, we therefore do not place ourselves back into mud of this sinful world. Our role in regard to being set-apart is to keep ourselves from being spotted or tarnished by world. Once we are made clean, we choose to continue to walk in purity.

Although we live in this world, we belong to another Kingdom. The Bride represents Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, King of Kings. While still in this world, she is an ambassador of His Kingdom! Are we proud representatives, or would we rather others did not find out who we are? Do we represent Kingdom of God in a positive, pure manner, or would we rather try to become like world around us? Do we seek to "fit-in," or do we reflect Christ to world?

When we love someone, we are not only willing to do what one we love asks of us, but we look for ways to show our love. In other words, we act in a manner that shows our devotion and commitment. In fact, our priorities change, because we drop all attitudes and activities that could get in way of our relationship with one we love. A betrothed bride is no longer available, but has been chosen, separated to a place of honor. This places an onus on us. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves so as to maintain an honorable reputation, both for ourselves and for one we love.

The Bride constantly asks question, "What would Jesus do?" She wants to stand for all He stands for! She seeks to do what He would do, to best of her ability and resources.

She also does not willingly, or knowingly, place herself in compromising situations. Why? She does not want to give reason for others to question her integrity. Many Christians do not place enough emphasis on living lives that reveal fact they are set-apart. They want to fit-in. Unfortunately, if we get too close to dirt of this world, we become soiled and wrinkled, and we begin to act and look no different from those who are ungodly. If we appear no different than everyone else, where is our strong testimony? How will others see there is a better way? Jesus said we are not to hide our light, but shine brightly so others can see light. We are to stand out, so that others can see difference.

The Bride learns to evaluate rightly. She is lovingly dogmatic when it comes to standing up for what is good and right. She chooses to not participate in anything which is dishonorable to Christ, to herself, or to those around her. She does not give-in to negative peer pressure, or to societies morals. Rather, she lives according to God's morals and principles. God's morals and principles for living are not just an alternative life-philosophy. They are eternal principles of righteousness.