In what ways can our actions reflect God's holiness to others? Setting the Scene “ ‘I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘when I show My holiness in you before their eyes.’ ” (Ezekiel 36:23) God’s Purpose in Ezekiel 36:23 • God will personally vindicate His holiness. • He chooses to do it “in you before their eyes,” tying His reputation to His people’s conduct. • The surrounding nations are meant to recognize the LORD through the visible difference in His people. The Connection Between God’s Name and Our Conduct • Scripture unites God’s character with His people’s behavior (Leviticus 22:31-32; Matthew 5:16). • When His people live differently, onlookers see a glimpse of the holy God they serve. • Therefore, daily decisions become platforms for either profaning or magnifying His name. Ways Our Actions Reflect God’s Holiness • Obedient Living – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Holiness is first demonstrated by consistent, heartfelt obedience. • Integrity and Truthfulness – “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) – Honesty under pressure shows a God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). • Compassion and Mercy – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) – Tangible kindness mirrors God’s covenant love (Micah 6:8). • Purity in Heart and Mind – “Whatever is true…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) – Turning from impurity displays the God who is “too pure to look on evil” (Habakkuk 1:13). • Sacrificial Service – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) – Serving when it costs us pictures Christ’s self-giving holiness. • Pursuit of Peace and Unity – “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9) – Unity within the church reflects God’s undivided nature (John 17:21). • Visible Worship and Testimony – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) – Public praise and grateful speech point others to His greatness. Practical Daily Steps 1. Begin each day with Scripture, aligning thoughts with God’s mindset (Psalm 119:11). 2. Identify one sphere—home, work, online—where His holiness can be shown more clearly today. 3. Replace a common complaint or harsh word with deliberate encouragement (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Keep short accounts with God: confess sin quickly, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). 5. Seek accountability from a trusted believer to maintain integrity. 6. Look for opportunities to serve someone anonymously, directing credit to God alone. Encouragement to Persevere “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14-15) God’s holiness is already perfect; our calling is to let that holiness be “shown in you before their eyes,” so that many will “know that I am the LORD.” |
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