“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct…”
–1 Peter 1:14-15
Are you pursuing holiness in your life? Well, you need to be. It’s important to God. As a matter of fact, the writer of Hebrews tells us that without holiness we cannot see God!
But not everyone understands what holiness is. Well, let me tell you. I’ll begin by telling you what it does not look like.
Being holy does not mean being some kind of spiritual space cadet. And being holy is not being a pale, sanctimonious recluse. Nor does it mean being pious or religious.
Rather, pure holiness is a beautiful expression of the very character of God! You see, God is calling you and me to a higher standard of living. He’s calling us to aim higher in our mentality, as well as our morality.
The word holy means to be separated. You know that God is holy. Well, he’s so holy, in fact, that he is totally separate from humanity in that sense. He is totally separated from sin. And in the whole universe, God is unique and distinct in his holiness.
And because God is holy, unique, and different, you and I are called to be like him in how we live our lives. We are called to live holy lives totally separated unto God.
You may ask, “why does it really matter?” I’ll tell you why. You see, our world is unholy and marred by sin. The world does not know God or what God is like. But when you and I live pure and holy lives in this impure world, we stand out like a beacon to those around us.
In this way, others can find Jesus through the examples of our lives.
You see, God can occupy a pure and holy life. And he needs you to answer this upward call. There are no special exceptions or passes. Ask God to help you live by his higher, standard of holiness. No holding back!
YOU AND I ARE CALLED TO LIVE HOLY LIVES
TOTALLY SEPARATED UNTO GOD.
