“You shall be holy; for I the Lord, your God am holy.” Leviticus 19:2
The above scripture verse points out a primary truth about God. He is holy, meaning that He is pure, sacred and totally set apart from evil. Holiness is God’s crown that brings all of his other attributes together. Can you imagine his traits of omnipotence (infinite power), omniscience (infinite knowledge and wisdom), and omnipresence (everywhere present) without holiness? God’s standard of holiness is holy perfection and God’s holiness is what makes him worthy of all praise.
God calls us to have a change of kingdom thinking from this world, to that of heaven. To become holy, our pursuit ought to be an attitude that is God-centered. We have to shift our focus from our own self-centered idea of sin (claiming victory over sin) and instead, focus on how our sin grieves God. Holiness prescribed by the world often means a set of prohibitions or rules rather than a changing of our hearts. To be holy means to live in morally blameless ways and to separate ourselves from sin to be consecrated to God. Paul says in Ephesians that we are to “put off the old man that belongs to your former manner of life” and to “put on the new man, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” Eph. 4:22,24. The pathway to holiness is conforming to the character of God, saying yes to his will and being content in the process.
God provided the way by sending his Son to die for our sins. It is through Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will that we are sanctified then are called to live righteously and in a holy manner, consecrating ourselves to God, Hebrews 10:10. It is our responsibility to not allow sin to reign in our temporal desires. After reminding us that Christ died to sin, “once for all,” he goes on to tell us in Romans 6:12 to, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions.” While God provides the way, we must do our part!
God will not abandon us in our process of sanctification. We need only ask for his help and He will answer our call. It is God’s will that we are sanctified and that we abstain from immorality calling us to holiness. 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7
Some things to help you grow in this area:
Here are some practical helps in your walk toward holiness:
Honor God; reflect on Deuteronomy 6:5
Read and meditate on scriptures that emphasize holiness
Repent and confess sin using Psalm 139:23-24 as a guide
Words to know:
Holiness: Spiritual perfection or purity because of likeness to God who is All-Holy
Consecrate: Make holy, set apart for a sacred purpose
Sanctification: Process of growing holy
Righteousness: Conformity of lie to the requirements of moral law; virtue and integrity
Further reading: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
“From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
May we all receive His Crown,
Tracey
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