Be Holy

Being holy is an aspect of the Christian walk that is often overlooked. In today’s world, we can become preoccupied with other things and even misled by false teachings. We may even excuse ourselves by saying, “I’m only human.” However, our life in Christ is more than just receiving salvation. I have been reflecting on my own walk with Jesus and, to be honest, it’s not where I believe it should be. So, what’s happening here? Why do we stray from living a holy life?

What is ‘holy”? – From Merriam-Webster

• exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness
• DIVINE 〈for the Lord our God is holy—Ps 99:9 (Authorized Version)〉
• devoted entirely to the deity or the work of the deity 〈a holy temple〉 〈holy prophets〉

The first two would lean towards God himself, while the third would point towards man. Scripture would often, in reference to God use the word three times, still incomplete to the very nature of God.

For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”  Leviticus 11:44–45.

Throughout the history of Israel, there have been numerous instances of them straying away from God. It’s astonishing to see how, even in Exodus, they were freed from oppression in Egypt, but before they even crossed the Red Sea, they longed to return to their oppressed state. This pattern repeated itself leading up to the crossing of the Jordan, where they would witness God’s work, praise and honor Him, only to turn their backs on Him shortly after. We are just as susceptible to this behavior, one moment we are on a spiritual high, and the next we are pursuing our own desires. Paul discusses this nature in Romans 7, a passage which David Platt refers to as “schizophrenic.” So, how does this relate to holiness and our call to “be holy”?

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13–16.

When I was leading youth ministry at my church, I had asked the students to write down questions that they had about the Bible and life. There were a lot of good questions and some were really challenging. One return question was about Mount Sinai and why it was dangerous for the Israelites to approach it. What made it holy? This lead to a good discussion. We looked at the events in the wilderness. But, then we shifted to the temple. I pointed out that during the construction of Solomon’s temple, workers would have had to access all areas of the structure, including the Holy of Holies. So I posed the question to the students, what changed? How was it that anyone could enter during the building of the temple but only the high priest could afterwards and only on certain days?

As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1–3.

God entered the temple. As we see, all the furnishings were place, everything was in order. Solomon performed the dedication and the God answered. He filled the temple so that even the priests were not able to enter. The dynamics of the temple changed with the presence of God.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20.

Fast forward to the early church and Paul dealing with the group in Corinth. So many issues, so little space to write it out. My recommendation, read the letter. Drilling down to the concept of holiness, Paul addresses what today’s society thinks is a “revolution” and concludes with this idea of the temple. Thinking back to Solomon and tracing the thought, Paul reminds the believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When the believer places his/her trust in Christ, the Holy Spirit enters. As we learn from scripture, the Holy Spirit isn’t an essence or stirring but, rather, God himself, part of the trinity. So just as God entered Solomon’s temple, he enters our heart, a temple as described by Paul. His directive to the believers at Corinth and us today is we are temples and as such, should conduct ourselves with holiness.

What is the implication of this? We should be driven by the moving of God by his Spirit. Our conduct, our speech, everything about us should reflect the holiness of God. There is a caution here, this is not the same as legalism as some would lean towards. This is the very nature of God demonstrated in us. Peter points to this in his first letter. When we feel the pull towards the world, God impresses on us his nature. We should look forward to the life he desires for us and not the life we are leaving behind (think Lot and his wife in Genesis). This means that we are kind hearted, loving, seeking to love God, do what is right, and be humble before him.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11.

It is important to remember that personal conduct is the starting point. While we encourage others to follow this path, we must also practice it ourselves. Jesus addressed this in his sermon on the mount in Matthew, specifically in the area of judgment. Many leaders who have fallen have neglected to walk in holiness before teaching and guiding others. If we strive to live this way first, we will avoid compromising situations. This does not mean we will be perfect, but God has provided a way for our failures to be forgiven and for us to be cleansed of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Only then can we effectively encourage others to do the same.

Be holy as God is holy

In His Name

Scott