Christian Living

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How Holy are we, really?


Holiness in its highest form belongs solely to God. Easton's Bible Dictionary describes it very accurately as: Holiness- in the highest sense belongs to God ( Isaiah 6:3 ; Revelation 15:4 ), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God ( Romans 6:19 Romans 6:22 ; Ephesians 1:4 ; Titus 1:8 ; 1 Peter 1:15 ). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Ephesians 4:23,24).
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/eastons-bible-dictionary/holiness.html

As it pertains to God Himself, holiness is an attribute of His purity and righteousness that is far above any imaginable human concept of such greatness. But, there is also a level of holiness that we Christians are to strive to attain. Since we were made in the image of God who is holy, we are capable of reflecting such a majestic likeness as His to a degree. We must attach ourselves first to Him and be set apart by truth and righteousness. Our ethical and spiritual separation from the worldly system operating today is paramount to our ability to become holy and find ourselves truly in God's will. In Psalms 37:23, we see that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and HE delights in his way". https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A23&version=NKJV.

So, are we really striving for such a closeness to God that we have separated ourselves from the worldly ways that so easily trap us?
In 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter writes to believers, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Here, Peter is quoting the book of Leviticus. He is showing us that there is still a call to holiness whether Jew or Gentile. Just as God called the people of Israel to be Holy so that other nations and peoples would know that they belonged to Him, we as Christians are to be set apart by our behavior. Therefore, nonbelievers will see the difference in us and, hopefully, be drawn to God themselves. This is a great weapon we can all use. I call it passive evangelism or reaching people for God through our everyday actions.
A decision to be holy is one of the heart. It must be born out of a true relationship with Jesus Christ. But, it is also gradually built upon and carried out with much attention as there are many forces working against us to keep us from it. One of the devil's worst fears is a holy and equipped Saint going against him in battle. So, we must stay vigilant and grounded in the word to become such a warrior.
Try to study the scriptures on holiness this week and really meditate on them. Ask God to cleanse you and help you to see what is truly keeping you from such a holiness in Him. Because, only when we are true about our commitment with God will we be drawn in and become more like Him as we walk the Earth as His examples and His army.

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