But that isn’t what holiness is at all. Holiness is something that begins on the inside, and expresses itself on the outside. The basic idea of holiness is “different, set apart, and consecrated for a specific use.” And holiness is much more than a mere definition can describe. Holiness is that attribute of God upon which all the other attributes are based. The love of God is based upon the holiness of God. The mercy and grace of God are based upon the holiness of God.
This holiness is something God desires for all His people. For instance, Leviticus 11:45 reads, “For I am the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy.” In 2 Corinthians 6:17-17:1 Paul quotes from several different Old Testament passages: “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord; do not touch any unclean thing, and I will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Then Paul writes, “So then, dear friends, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of the flesh and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
Hebrews 12:14 gives us a solemn reminder: “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord” (CSV). According to that verse, holiness before God is a requirement for fellowship with the Lord.
Dwight Moody once said, “It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it. Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannon to call attention to their shining—they just shine.” We don’t have to call attention to ourselves—just live holy lives, dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The years come and go. Times change and our culture changes with them. But may we never forget that every corner of our lives is to be set apart, consecrated, holy. --Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com