What does "be holy, because I am holy" mean for daily Christian living? The Call Repeated from Moses to Peter “For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy.” – Leviticus 11:44 “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:15-16 What “Holy” Means • Set apart from everything sinful and common • Devoted exclusively to God’s purposes • Conformed to God’s character rather than the culture’s expectations Why Holiness Matters Every Day • It is God’s explicit will (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • Without it no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14) • It confirms our new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17) • It displays Christ to the watching world (Matthew 5:16) Holiness in Thoughts • Filter every idea through Philippians 4:8: “whatever is true…think on these things.” • Capture rogue thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5) and replace them with Scripture truths. • Begin and end the day with the Word; let it frame your mindset (Psalm 1:2). Holiness in Speech • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse gossip, slander, coarse humor, and exaggeration. • Use words to build up, bless, and point to Christ (Colossians 4:6). Holiness in Actions • Body: “You are not your own…Therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Work: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). • Entertainment: Choose what aligns with Psalm 101:3—“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” Holiness in Relationships • Pursue purity (1 Thessalonians 4:4-5). • Forgive quickly (Ephesians 4:32). • Love sacrificially so that “all men will know you are My disciples” (John 13:35). Guardrails for Maintaining Holiness • Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11) • Persistent prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) • Fellowship with committed believers (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Regular self-examination and confession (1 John 1:9) Encouragement: God Provides the Power • “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13). • Christ’s life in us (Galatians 2:20) and His sympathetic high-priesthood (Hebrews 4:15-16) ensure that holiness is attainable. Daily Holiness Checklist □ Start with Scripture and prayer □ Surrender plans and motives to God □ Speak only what edifies □ Serve someone in Jesus’ name □ Evaluate heart and habits at day’s end “Be holy, because I am holy” is not merely a lofty slogan; it is the practical, moment-by-moment pattern for every follower of Christ, made possible by His indwelling Spirit and grounded in His unchanging Word. |
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