“Be holy” is God’s frequent command to his people. It is never a suggestion or commendation; it is a command. The object of the command, that is, the standard or example of the command, is always God. Immediately, we see the massive challenge of the task. How can finite, mortal man attain to any quality of the divine Creator? We can see God’s qualities and his actions. His power is on constant display (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-20), and only the willfully blind will miss his self-evident presence everywhere.
“[B]ut 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 1:15, 16).
It certainly appears that we can imitate this characteristic of God. Much like his infinite goodness, we are always pressing towards his perfect example, although we never achieve the perfection of God’s character.
So, allow me to offer a few suggestions aimed at helping us move toward the holiness of God.
Declaration
Things typically do not become holy by accident. (Leviticus 6:27 may be the only exception.) Throughout the Pentateuch, the Lord declares that a thing is to be holy. Consider such statements as found in Exodus 29:34; 30:32; and 31:14, et al. God declares holiness. It is not declared by a mortal, nor is it discovered by human reasoning. God said it is holy and that is that.
You are declared holy by God in at least two ways.
First, you are created in the image of God. You are an image-bearer of the divine (Genesis 1:26, 27). (The reader is referred to bryantevans.com and the article entitled Imago Dei at https://bryantevans.com/imago-dei/. If God is holy, and he is, and if you are created in His image, and you are, then you have been declared holy by virtue of your creation.
It is doubly true that you are declared to be holy because, by being in Christ, you are part of a “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). You are every bit as holy as the robe-wearing priests of the Levitical order. In fact, more so, but that is another article (see Hebrews 4 & 5 for the superiority of Christ’s priesthood, whose order we are.)
Declared, But Tarnished
Old Testament Levitical priests could and did sin. There were special sacrifices for their atonement for their sins. Likewise, we in the holy priesthood also sin and seek redemption. We are declared to be holy, but we are tarnished by sins that “cling so closely” (Hebrews 12.1). David spoke of being taken from a “miry” bog (Psalm 40:2). A “miry bog” is a muddy pit. As a youngster, I remember more than once being told by my mother to strip off my muddy clothes and hose down before coming inside. It’s hard to get sticky, Alabama red clay off. It is even harder to get it out of clothes.
Now, think sin, not mud.
We are declared to be holy, but we are tarnished by the mud pit of Western culture and by our own devices (James 1:13 – 15).
The very first step toward Godly holiness is to “wash away” the sin, the miry pit that clings so closely.
In recounting his own conversion, Paul was told, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” (Acts 22:16). Let me be clear: There is no other way to rid yourself of sin but through the command of Christ to be obedient and be baptized.
Declared, Tarnished, Washed
I can remember my mother buying me new clothes to wear to church. They always came with a warning: Don’t get these dirty! Of course, after the assembly, I’d be outside rolling around in the grass and wrestling with the other guys. By the time I got home, my new clothes were a mosaic of grass stains and dirt. Mom did what all the other moms were doing. She washed the clothes, and they looked new again.
Our spiritual lives are similar. We are holy by virtue of our entry into Christ, but despite all the warnings, we have tarnished our clean souls with fresh sins. It’s not a very pleasant comment but crusty fisherman Peter said it this way, and by inspiration:
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” (2 Peter 20-22)
Consider Hebrews 6:4-6:
“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”
Yes, contrary to much denominational false, but comforting teaching, one can indeed fall away. But we are quick to add that while breath remains in them, the opportunity for Christ’s redemption remains. This is the thrust of what John says in 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Note that it is the work of Christ, through his blood, which cleanses the tarnished soul. That cleansing is found in Christ and in walking in His light. Consider what would have happened if my mom had simply thrown my clothes into the dryer instead of the washing machine. There would be no cleansing. Likewise, any attempt to find tarnish-removing-cleansing apart from Christ and His light is foolish.
In Revelation 21:27, Jesus says of our new eternal home in Heaven, “But nothing unclean will ever enter it,..” The tarnished soul must be cleansed, first have sins washed away in baptism, and then by always walking in the light, which keeps us clean from all sin. There is no other way.
Holiness as a Mission
Having spent some time defining holiness, I will turn to its application in daily life. I will provide five concrete steps for you to build upon each day. As you seek to master each step, you will find yourself moving toward greater and more productive holiness in your life.
Determine to be Holy
LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Simone Biles, are among the most admired athletes in the world. Before they became huge commercial successes, they reached the top of their sport. How? Consider Biles statement: “Visualization is a crucial part of my training. I visualize my routines and see myself executing them flawlessly.” She sees herself as successful. Michael Phelps, Olympic swimming champion, speaks of “watching the videotape” of his races. Like Biles, he had determined to succeed and was willing to put in the hours.
Why are we any different? Any earthly pursuit is inferior to our spiritual growth for one reason: earthly pursuits are temporary. They are locked into the here and now. Earthly pursuits and achievements will be gone in less than 100 Years. I am well aware that Hank Aaron, Kobe Bryant, and Paul Bryant are still talked about today, years after their passing. But of what benefit are today’s kudos to those in eternity?
Observe The Good and the Bad
Observation is a critical step in almost every human endeavor. Consider a home builder who must first observe the land and then study (observe) the blueprints of the house before ever touching a saw or hammer. You must become aware of the spiritual landscape in which you live. What are the influences, good or ill, that seek to influence you each day? Watch the people in your home and those in your workplace or school. Do they exhibit traits of goodness or evil?
It may be impossible to avoid people altogether, but your awareness of their spiritual state is important. You learn which characteristics to mimic and which to avoid. You will also gain insight into their suitability as one of your closest friends. In order to be the “salt of the earth,” we must have friends in many places (Matthew 5:13). But, even with a brother in Christ, we must always guard our own spiritual life. Consider the warning at the end of Galatians 6:1: “Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
A lifeguard once told me his motto: “You come first after me.” It makes sense. Think, if you fall into the same unholy corruption as a friend, how will you help them?,
My counsel is this: Have friends across all strata of society, but your closest friends ought to be in the church.
Concrete Steps to Holiness
Stop Trying – Do it
In his book, The Power of Discipline, author Daniel Walther declares that the word “try” should be removed from your vocabulary. He sees it as a comforting word but also one that sets you up for failure. It’s a fallback word. When you fail, you can at least say you tried. The hard truth is better: You failed! That realization will drive you to complete the task. Don’t try, do!
What do you know you must do to move toward holiness? Do you need more Scripture time? How’s your prayer life? Commit now to do what you know you need to do. Don’t try, do!
Reserve Time
If you have a gym membership, you know the best time to go. If possible, you want to avoid the rush and go when you can get to the Stair Stepper to exercise! Building our faith is no different. Growing in holiness is a deliberate action – not accidental. Just as you pick a time for the gym, pick a time for developing your holiness.
In the New Testament, we move along a process aimed at the state of being made holy. It’s neither automatic nor easy. It demands personal discipline for progress. Part of that is setting aside time with God every day.
Talk to God
Talking to God, praying, is essential for Christian holiness. No one ever became holy by giving God the silent treatment. Reserve time now to speak to your Creator.
The mechanics of prayer are not difficult and are within everyone’s power to master.
- Reserve a Time – Make your appointment. Meet the Lord at least daily, preferably more often.
- Find a Place – Speak with the Lord anywhere, anytime. But having a place away from distractions and interruptions will strengthen your prayer time.
- Focus on God as You Enter His Presence – Isaiah 6 helps me to focus on the grandeur of our God. You are speaking to the Sovereign of the Universe, and he is listening!
- Speak to God as if He is Sitting Beside You – Some have the ability to form prayers with lofty words and flowery phrases. Fancy words are unnecessary. Just pour your heart out. Hide nothing, for he already knows it.
- Speak respectfully, of course, but as if speaking to a friend.
- Express Your Thanks – The Psalmist often expressed great gratitude to God (Psalm 69:30; 95:2; 100:4). Paul calls on us to include Thanksgiving along with our supplications (Philippians 4:6).
- Confess Your Sin – The shattering of our world has scattered evil all around. Despite our efforts, we often sin. Confessing sin brings humility and the recognition that God is our Savior.
- Express Your Needs and Wants – The Lord already knows what you need and what you want. But expressing those thoughts reminds us of his supremacy and our own powerlessness. There are many things God will say no to. But I have found that his “no’s” are usually a far greater blessing than our desires.
The Splendor of Holiness
David instructs us to “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness (Psalm 29:2; 110:3). Such is a beautiful way to remind us to approach God clothed in the attire of Holiness. To seek holiness is to seek God. To grow in holiness is to grow in God.
Isaiah found himself in the presence of the Lord and realized his own sinfulness. He declared, “Woe is me! For I am lost,” But immediately he was cleansed, and his sin was atoned for (Isaiah 6:5-7). Like Isaiah, we approach God properly cleansed with our sins atoned. We approach Him in holiness.
Holiness is built over a lifetime. Isn’t it time to start building?
I would be most grateful if you would leave a comment below. Any applause, criticism, thought, or request would be appreciated.
