We Are Called to be Holy
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 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.” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
It’s clear in scripture that God calls us to a holy life. We were created to be holy. We exist for Him, for His purpose, and for His glory! The Hebrew word for holy is kodesh, meaning “separated or set apart.” Being holy means allowing God to guide and direct our paths through His Holy Spirit. It is God’s will that we be holy, and in doing so become more like Him.
Today the word Holy tends to bring up ideas of overly religious types who separate themselves by adhering to a strict set of rules and laws, but living a holy life is less about living free of sin than it is about being separated from the world and set apart by and to God. In other words, to live a holy life is to live a life in conformity to God’s will and in direct contrast to the sinful ways of the world!
Not only are we called to be holy, but this calling came even before the creation of the world! “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”- Ephesians 1:4
We don’t become holy overnight. Our conversion to Christ doesn’t perfect us. We are still sinners. In fact we won’t reach absolute perfection until we are glorified and made just like Jesus. But as followers of Christ we we should be working to perfect holiness in our lives. We should be laying every detail of our life at His feet as we strive to honor the Lord with our lives in both word and deed. This requires separation from the world and from the flesh which takes complete devotion to God.
We have the command. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit we have the ability. What we need now is the determination and discipline to set out to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by honoring Him with our lives. Our purpose in life isn’t to be happy, or healthy. It’s to be holy!
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
