“Holiness” is often misunderstood. Many believers think living a holy life is just too hard. Or too boring. Or simply undesirable. We recognize the truth that God commands His children to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We do want to please Him, but life gets in the way.
We fail to realize that the benefits of holiness far outweigh anything we might need to “sacrifice.” The gain is far greater than the loss of any worldly activity, behavior, or attitude.
In his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges defines holiness this way: “To be morally blameless. It is to be separated from sin and, therefore, consecrated to God. The word signifies ‘separation to God, and the conduct befitting those so separated.” The basic meaning of “holy” is to be “set apart.” We are set apart from the world, its sinful ways, and our own fleshly desires. We are set apart to God.
Maybe holiness sounds like an overwhelming, daunting, or impossible task? Humanly speaking it is. But, whatever God requires of His children, He also supplies. God requires holiness, but His Spirit provides the power to turn away from sin. God calls us to holiness and God provides what we need to be holy.
Usually what it comes down to is simply our desire to live a holy life. Why would we want to be holy? The following 5 benefits are not the only reasons to pursue holiness, but they’re one Scripture mentions repeatedly.
- Holiness fosters intimacy with God and builds spiritual strength and stability (Psalm 15:1-6).
- Holiness makes us useful and effective for God’s purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-26).
- Holiness causes people around you to glorify God (1 Peter 2:9-12).
- Holiness builds peace with God (2 Peter 3:10-18).
- Holiness pleases God and produces “fruit” (Ephesians 5:1-17).
And those 5 benefits are just the beginning of how God blesses a holy life!
How have you thought about holiness in the past? Have you thought a holy life was too hard? Simply undesirable? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Want to learn more about living a holy life? Check out Kathy’s Bible study “Embraced by Holiness.”
This is such a great Bible study for me. I am constantly reading about our call to holiness. I love the way you make this study true to the Word and very practical.
I am grateful for the ministry God has given you.
Love & Blessings
Marilyn
In times of adversity then one can appreciate that holiness is of a great price stay holy unto the lord