I Peter I: 15-16 “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The word “holy” means to be “set apart.” Set apart for God’s service, from the world and its influences, and for His use (ministry). We don’t see our sinful state and need for God until we become intimate with Him and see His Holiness.
As the prophet Isaiah said, “Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” (Isa. 6:5-6 NIV)
God has called us to live holy lives, why you might ask. Here are five reasons.
- Holiness nurtures intimacy with God and builds spiritual strength and stability (Psalm 15:1-6). It is a fact that God cannot abide in the presence of sin. If sin is in our lives, it stands between us and our relationship with Him.
- Holiness makes us valuable and effective for God’s purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-26). Being holy makes your testimony and witness more credible. How can the world see that you have a relationship with God unless you are living in Holiness or at least being changed by that relationship?
- When people see Holiness in your life, it causes them to glorify God(1 Peter 2:9-12). When we operate in Holiness, we show the goodness of God to others. They see how good our lives are when we are in sync with God, and it causes them to want it for themselves.
- Holiness builds peace with God(2 Peter 3:10-18). Living a holy life makes peace with God (vertical peace) and creates peace with your fellow man (vertical peace).
- Holiness pleases God and produces fruit (Ephesians 5:1-17). If we are wise and careful how we live, we will make the most of every opportunity that God puts in front of us to be His ambassadors for the kingdom.
Does being holy as God is holy seem like a daunting task? If we were, to be honest, it does to all of us. How can we be holy if we are trapped in this sinful nature? The Apostle Paul tells the Philippians that he “presses toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14 KJV) Daily, Paul gets up and is intentional about what God has called him to do. If all I think about is what I can’t eat when I’m dieting, the diet doesn’t last long. But instead, if I focus on being healthier and in smaller pants, everything is more manageable. In the same way, press on toward what God has for you to do; it will make being holy easier.
