Holiness is Not Old-Fashioned
Holiness is not an old-fashioned notion that should be forgotten. In fact, holiness is a timeless concept of living with integrity and moral excellence that brings about great blessings for both the individual and society as a whole. Holiness is an essential part of our spiritual journey, one which requires us to take ownership of our actions and live according to certain principles. It involves being conscious of how we interact with others, developing self-discipline and compassion, and recognizing the importance of taking time out for personal reflection. By cultivating these qualities in ourselves, we can become more peaceful individuals who are better able to contribute positively to the world around us. Holiness is an important concept for all of us to understand and can be achieved through dedicated and consistent effort. Ultimately, holiness leads to a life of harmony and joy that blesses the world with its beauty and honors God with pure hearts leaning on Him.
The concept of holiness was not created by humans, but rather it was a deliberate and planned design that originated in the garden. God created man in His likeness and image. For God said, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" 1 Peter 1:14-16. Holiness is not just one attribute of God, rather it is the essence of all His attributes. God is holy in His love, justice, mercy, and goodness. Holiness permeates everything that God is and does. It is the foundation, the root, and the source of all other attributes. God’s love is holy because it is pure and selfless, His justice is holy because it is righteous and fair, His mercy is holy because it is compassionate and forgiving, and His goodness is holy because it is perfect and true. Holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it is the very nature of His being. This is why holiness is so important for us to understand and strive for in our own lives, as it brings us closer to God and allows us to reflect His divine nature to the world.
It is imperative that as the representation of Christ, His holy church, we not forget or forsake God's call and intended purpose for us to the world around us. The church is called to be a shining example of holiness in the world, displaying God's character and nature through our words and deeds. We are to strive for a life that reflects His perfection and purity so that others can witness the power of His love and grace. As believers, we should focus on developing self-discipline, compassion, humility, integrity, and other spiritual qualities as we seek to become more like Christ. This requires dedication to prayerful reflection upon Scripture in order to learn how God wants us to live out His will in all aspects of our lives. It also involves being mindful of how our actions affect those around us — both inside and outside the church — so that we may bring glory unto Him through everything we do. By embracing holiness as an essential part of our missional identity, the Church can be a powerful catalyst for change in society today.
Holiness is a principle that is timeless and relevant today. It is important to incorporate it into all areas of our lives instead of viewing it as outdated. In contemporary society, holiness is commonly viewed as a negative trait rather than a positive one. Even within religious circles, true holiness seems to be a rare quality, as indicated by a recent statement made by a prominent preacher about its decline in the American church. It's unfortunate and discouraging to be labeled as "holy" by others. How comfortable we are to add God to our lives with little or no change necessary on our part. Such is not the message of the true gospel or the teaching of the Scriptures on the spiritual life. We must strive to live a life that reflects His holiness if we are to be examples of Jesus Christ in the world.
Peter's call for holiness in his epistle is not an invitation to a comfortable and effortless lifestyle. It is, rather, a mandate for total surrender to God's will and a complete denial of the self. The belief and behavior of holiness of which Peter speaks come neither naturally nor easily. As a human being, Peter was not exempted from the struggles that come with pursuing holiness. He admitted his inadequacy when he wrote, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:13-16).
Peter's words reflect the reality that holiness is not a product of human nature or human effort. It is a gift of God's grace, a result of our willingness to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's transforming power in our lives. To be holy, we must surrender ourselves to God's leading and be open to His power to change us from within. Holiness, after all, is not a destination we can reach through our efforts, but a daily process of dying to self and living for Christ. It requires us to embrace the cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who lived a holy life that was fully pleasing to the Father.
Peter's call for holiness is also a reminder of our need for accountability and support in our pursuit of righteous living. As members of Christ's body, we are called to "encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We need to be in community with each other, sharing our struggles and our victories, and spurring one another on towards love and good deeds. This is why the church, as the visible representation of Christ on earth, plays an essential role in our growth in holiness. It is within the context of the church that we find the support and accountability we need to live out our calling as holy people of God.
In conclusion, holiness is not a concept that can be easily grasped or achieved without God's grace and power at work in our lives. It requires a daily surrender of our will and a commitment to follow Christ, no matter the cost. It is not a destination we can reach in our strength, but a lifelong process that requires us to be open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to holiness and strive to reflect the character of the Holy One who called us, both in our beliefs and our behavior. There are times when following the old path is the correct path for us as an individual followers of Christ and as a church body.
