What does "be holy men to Me" reveal about God's expectations for us? Setting the Scene: Exodus 22:31 “You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; you are to throw it to the dogs.” What “Be Holy Men to Me” Means • “Holy” (Hebrew qadosh) means “set apart, distinct, dedicated.” • The command is relational: “to Me.” God is claiming us as His own treasured possession (Exodus 19:5-6). • Holiness is not optional; it is a divine expectation woven into the covenant. God’s Expectations Unpacked • Separation from impurity – The food restriction in the verse illustrates practical separation from what defiles. • Whole-life devotion – Holiness embraces worship, ethics, speech, family life—everything (Leviticus 11:44-45). • Reflecting God’s character – “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our lives are to mirror His moral purity. • Continuous pursuit – Holiness isn’t a one-time act but an ongoing walk (2 Corinthians 7:1). Old and New Testament Harmony • Leviticus 19:2—same call within the Law. • Romans 12:1—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Hebrews 12:14—“Pursue…holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Everyday Expressions of Holiness • Integrity in business, speech, and relationships • Stewardship of the body (avoiding what corrupts) • Compassionate acts that show the heart of a holy God • Distinct choices that silence compromise, even in gray areas Why It Matters • Holiness authenticates our witness (Philippians 2:15). • It fosters fellowship with God—sin severs, holiness invites deeper communion. • It prepares us for future glory (1 Thessalonians 3:13). Practical Steps Forward 1. Start each day by remembering whose you are—set apart “to Me.” 2. Evaluate habits: ask if they align with God’s purity. 3. Immerse yourself in Scripture; it cleanses and directs (Psalm 119:9). 4. Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16); He empowers the pursuit of holiness. |
    |