Church Words
Holiness. Purity. Where does your mind go when you hear those words? Chances are, you have some preconceived ideas about what it means to be pure and holy that may involve babies with halos. It’s an unrealistic image. After all, we live in a culture that shouts that real fulfillment comes from being in a sexually satisfying relationship. So why should we concern ourselves with being holy when it comes to our in-person and online relationships? Why should we care about sexual integrity? Because, as followers of Jesus, we are called to live as holy people in order to represent our holy God.
In this plan, we’re going to look at some real, practical habits we can implement to help us live holy lives: lives that are marked by confidence, boldness, and closeness with the God we get to represent to the world. So let’s start by changing our perspective on what it actually means to be holy.
One thing is super clear right off the bat: God is holy. In fact, there are creatures in heaven whose only job is to declare the holiness of God 24/7. He never ceases to be holy, so they never cease to proclaim His holiness.
But what do they mean when they say God is holy? They’re saying that God is altogether other. He is set apart, different. There is no one like Him and nothing that could compare to Him. Throughout Scripture, we see this truth dawning on people time and time again. Look at King Solomon’s prayer:
“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 1 Kings 8:23 NLT
When God comes on the scene, everything is different. And here’s where things get crazy. Because this holy God has come on the scene of our lives as Christ followers, we are different too. We are set apart. Made holy and called to live in such a way that represents our holy God to the world.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Who are you? Chosen, a son or daughter of the King, special, called—you belong to Him. When you realize that this is your identity; that what God says about you is the most true thing about you, you begin to see holiness and purity in a new light. Not as these rules and regulations to strive to live up to. Not as something impossible or unattainable. Holiness is not some magical destination we’re trying to get to; it’s the identity we get to live from.
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “ ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”
Revelation 4:8 NIV
“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.
1 Kings 8:23 NIV
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:9-12 NIV
As Christ followers, You are chosen and you are Holy, so act like it.
Andi Hale
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