Be Holy: A Call to Live Distinctively for God
In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and countless voices telling us how to live, the call to be holy can often seem daunting. We are constantly bombarded with values and lifestyles that can pull us in all directions, making it difficult to discern what it truly means to be holy in today’s context. Yet, the message of holiness runs deeply throughout Scripture, calling us to a life that is set apart for God’s purposes. Holiness isn’t about perfection or living in isolation; it’s about living distinctively, in a way that reflects God’s purity and love to the world. Let’s explore what it means to “Be Holy” using the Word of God.
1. Holiness Comes from God’s Choice (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)
In Deuteronomy 7, God’s people are reminded of their special status. The Israelites were not chosen because they were the strongest or the most numerous. In fact, they were the smallest and weakest nation on the earth. But God chose them out of His great love and faithfulness to His covenant. The key phrase here is “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.”
Holiness is first and foremost a gift. God calls us to be holy because He has set His love upon us. We don’t earn holiness; rather, it is a calling that stems from God’s grace. As believers, we are also called to be set apart for His purposes—not because of any inherent greatness in us, but because of His love and His desire to redeem us from the sin that once separated us from Him.
This truth should fill us with deep gratitude and awe. We are holy because God made us holy. And because He is holy, He calls us to reflect that holiness in our lives. Our holiness is a response to His great love, not a condition to earn it.
2. Holiness Requires Separation from the World (Deuteronomy 7:2-5)
God instructs the Israelites to completely separate themselves from the nations around them. They are not to make treaties, intermarry, or engage in the worship practices of the Canaanites. Why? Because these nations represented the very things that would draw Israel away from the Lord—idolatry, immorality, and rebellion against God. Holiness requires that we distance ourselves from influences that pull us away from God’s purposes.
In our world today, this doesn’t mean we should isolate ourselves, but it does call us to be intentional in guarding our hearts against the influence of sin and worldly values. The media we consume, the relationships we form, and the choices we make should reflect our commitment to living for God. Holiness is about living with a distinct identity as citizens of God’s kingdom.
3. Holiness Is Rooted in Truth (John 17:17)
In John 17, as Jesus prays for His disciples, He emphasizes the importance of truth in sanctification. He prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” Holiness is not just about outward actions; it’s about a deep transformation of the heart and mind. The truth of God’s Word is what sets us apart, shaping our lives to reflect His character.
In a world full of lies and false narratives, we must continually immerse ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. This truth exposes the lies we are tempted to believe and redirects our lives toward God’s righteousness. As we seek His Word daily and allow it to transform us, we are sanctified—set apart more and more for His glory.
4. Holiness Leads to a Life of Gratitude and Worship (Ephesians 5:18-20)
Holiness isn’t just a matter of avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing a life that honors God. In Ephesians 5:18-20, Paul urges believers to be filled with the Spirit, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. When we live holy lives, we are drawn into worship, expressing our gratitude for all that God has done.
Holiness is intrinsically tied to worship. When we live in obedience to God, our lives become a living testimony of His greatness. We don’t need to wait for a church service or special event to worship; a holy life is one that continually offers thanks to God in all things. Holiness leads to joy, gratitude, and a deeper relationship with our Creator.
5. Holiness Offers Protection and Joy (Psalm 5:11-12)
In Psalm 5, David prays for protection from those who oppose God. He acknowledges that God blesses the righteous and surrounds them with His favor. Holiness brings about not only protection from harm but also deep joy and security in the Lord. As we live holy lives, we experience the blessing of God’s presence, which shields us from the forces of evil.
While living a holy life may seem difficult at times, we can take heart knowing that God blesses those who seek to walk in His ways. Holiness brings us under God’s protection and opens the door to abundant joy in His presence.
Conclusion: The Call to Be Holy
God calls us to be holy because He is holy. This holiness is not an optional aspect of the Christian life; it is central to our identity as God’s people. As we live out our calling, we can take heart knowing that holiness is not about perfection but about living in a way that reflects God’s character. We can trust that He will give us the strength to overcome the challenges of this world as we draw near to Him in truth and worship.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling us to be Your holy people. We are humbled by Your love and grace, knowing that we are holy because of Your choice, not because of anything we have done. Help us to live distinctively in this world, guarding our hearts against the influences that seek to pull us away from You. Fill us with Your truth, and help us to continually worship You with grateful hearts. May our lives reflect Your holiness in everything we do.In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be encouraged today! Holiness is not an impossible standard but a life-transforming journey that begins with God’s love and truth.