
Day 67 Through The Bible
Day 67: The Call to Holiness - Living Distinctly for God
In our fast-paced, modern world, getting lost in the noise of day-to-day life is easy. From social media to societal pressures, we often find ourselves caught between doing what is "acceptable" and what is truly "best" in the eyes of God. This tension between what is "OK" and "BEST" is where the call to holiness enters our lives—encouraging us to make intentional choices that reflect our relationship with God.
Biblical Principle: Being Holy is Not About Being "Holier Than Thou"
The concept of holiness often carries misconceptions. We may think it means being judgmental, self-righteous, and looking down on others. But the Bible shows us that holiness is not about being "holier than thou." Instead, it’s about humbly acknowledging who God is and intentionally setting ourselves apart from the world's ways.
In Leviticus 11:44-45, God commands His people to "be holy, for I am holy." It’s a call to sanctify ourselves—and set ourselves apart—not because we are better than others but because God is perfect and righteous. God’s holiness is not just a characteristic but a command for us to reflect in our lives. This call to holiness isn’t about avoiding evil and discerning the difference between "OK" and "BEST."
Leviticus 11:44-45:
For I am the LORD your God: ye shall sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the LORD that bringeth you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
Holiness is more than just avoiding sin—it’s about living in a way that honors God in every aspect of our lives. It's about setting ourselves apart for His glory, even in our everyday choices. Whether it’s choosing between something that’s merely "good" and something that’s "best," our holiness is demonstrated by how we choose to live distinctly for God.
Practical Application: Denying the Flesh, Embracing Obedience
So, how do we apply this biblical truth to our lives? Holiness is not about striving to appear more righteous to others. It’s about focusing on the Lord, denying our flesh, and living obediently in His truth.
When we speak of denying the flesh, it's crucial to understand that this isn't about displaying false humility or guilt-ridden self-pity. Denying the flesh is a deliberate decision to follow God's will over our desires. It’s about obeying God and growing our understanding of His truth.
1 Peter 1:14-16 encourages us to be obedient children, not conforming to our former desires, but instead reflecting God's holiness in every area of our lives:
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am blessed.
True holiness manifests when we choose to live according to God’s ways, rejecting the desires of the flesh that once defined us. We are called to reflect God’s holiness in everything—from conversations to actions. Holiness becomes visible when we intentionally choose to live differently, aligning ourselves with God’s Word.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23, we see the principle that not all things are beneficial for our spiritual walk:
All things are lawful for me, but not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
This verse reminds us that while many things in life may be permissible, they may not necessarily lead us to the best path. We must consider whether our choices edify our relationship with God and contribute to our spiritual growth. Holiness is about choosing what is best for us spiritually, not merely what is acceptable.
Conclusion: Holiness is a Journey of Intentional Choices
Holiness is not an unattainable goal or an outward display of perfection; it’s an ongoing journey of making intentional choices to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. It’s not about being “holier than thou” but recognizing who God is and seeking to honor Him in all we do. Holiness involves avoiding what is sinful and discerning between what is "OK" and what is "BEST."
As we continue our walk with Christ, let us focus on Him, deny the desires of the flesh, and pursue holiness—not for show but as an act of obedience to the God who has called us. Let’s choose to live distinctly, reflecting His holiness in all that we do, knowing that He has set us apart for His purposes.
May we continually seek to live out the truth of 1 Peter 1:16, "Be ye holy; for I am holy," in every moment, every decision, and every relationship.