What it Means to be “Holy for I Am Holy”
By Aretha Grant
“But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, ‘Be ye holy; for I am holy,’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
What’s meant by “holy” in 1 Peter 1:15-16? The word translated “holy” means sacred, morally blameless, consecrated, saint (see Strong’s G40 for more). God is looking for some people who are consecrated or set apart for His use. And He knows who those holy ones should be because He chose us (Ephesians 1:4) and called us to be holy for His purpose (2 Timothy 1:9).
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Ephesians 1:4).
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 1:9).
The King James Version of 1 Peter 1:15 uses the word “conversation.” The word translated “conversation” means behavior. The verse is saying our manner of life or behavior, should reflect holiness because God is holy.
Our lifestyles should be distinguishable from unbelievers and match our profession of faith. But it’s not easy, is it? In a day and age in which any and everything goes, Christians are constantly facing temptations to live in a manner which isn’t pleasing to God. Although ungodly living is encouraged, embraced, and expected in the world today, God’s Word stands as a beacon of hope, life, and instruction to Christians.
Just because the world says ungodly living is ok doesn’t mean the Lord says it’s ok. The Lord expects us to be holy because He is holy and abides in us.
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one who walked in holiness. If we look at how He lived and exemplified holiness, we see a life committed to honoring God, showing love, honoring parents, serving others, and keeping the body holy.
Being holy isn’t natural, and it isn’t something we can do under our own strength. Walking in holiness requires the Holy Spirit received when we become “new creations.” When we accept the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts, we become new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). Holiness is only possible when we are put on the new self and live life as the new creatures God ordained us to be. Although holiness isn’t natural to us, we are instructed in Scripture to follow or pursue holiness.
We should look for opportunities to be holy. Being holy may mean:
- Not listening to the same music as our family and friends or watching the same television programs.
- Holiness may involve changing the way we dress, think, or respond to temptations.
- Most certainly, holiness means being set apart for the Master’s use.
Walking in true holiness means being like our Father.
Editor’s Note: This devotional was taken in part from 6 Ways to “Be Holy for I am Holy” (And Why It's Important) by Aretha Grant. You can read the article in its entirety here.
Related Resource: Christ's Freedom for the Anxious and Overwhelmed (Romans 8:6)
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