Be Holy

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1Pet 1:16)

The definition of ‘Holy’ have been sadly misconstrued by many and often considered a joke or individuals labeled as a ‘do-gooder’ or a character which is an impossibility to attain. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines a ‘do-gooder’ as ‘an earnest usually impractical and often naive and ineffectual humanitarian or reformer’. Perhaps the ‘holier than thou’ braggarts have tarnished the true essence of what God considers as holy; or is it because there are those who are indeed truly holy living unforced natural lives at a high level of morality that by itself served to condemn those who loved darkness more than light (Heb 11:7, John 3:19).

Peter says to ‘be holy’ not ‘do holy’. Nor is holy an accolade achieved by any amount of good that one can do. Holiness is not a performance neither is it a standard that is derived from human thinking or experience. Holy is God for He is holy (1 Pet 1:15) and He graciously offers this favor to fallen mankind. ‘The grace of God in calling a sinner is a powerful engagement to holiness’ – Matthew Henry. ‘He which hath called you is holy’ is the only explanation why we who are called must reflect as He is.

How then are we to ‘be holy’? Firstly, heed the call to come out of the world for there is nothing good in the world (1 John 2:15-17), to be saved from sin, not save in sin. It is a change of position, state or being. From one kingdom to another Kingdom (Col 1:13-15), from one ruler to another Ruler therefore it boils down to our decision to be set apart to live in under another realm of authority where He will lead us on that pathway (Psa 23:3, Isa 35:8). Holy is separation not just an end.

Those who are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28) have received an invitation to death (Rom 6:3).  Not death in hopelessness but death unto resurrection to the Greatest Life (Rom 6:8) in which the total pleasing of the Almighty God is showered (Matt 3:17).

The Holy God has given the clarion invitation to be holy, are we willing to be holy as He is? Or do we still very much love our current position, perhaps to the extent disbelieving that it is beyond His divine capability to make us holy as He is. His invitation is for those who will be the expression of His Holiness in the dark and dying world with the intent to bring hope not condemnation. The hardest part to be set apart and holy is reckoning death of self and the unflinching desire to live Christ life.