Holy Living for Holy People

In a world that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, the call to holiness stands as a beacon of light, guiding us towards a life that reflects the very nature of God. But what does it truly mean to be holy, and how can we pursue holiness in our daily lives?

At its core, holiness is about being set apart. It's about living a life that is distinctly different from the world around us, not for the sake of being different, but because we have been called and chosen by a holy God. As the book of Deuteronomy reminds us, "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 14:2).

This calling to holiness touches every aspect of our lives, from our identity to our relationships, from our worship to our daily routines. Let's explore some key areas where we are called to pursue holiness:

1. Honoring Our God-given Identity: In a culture that increasingly blurs the lines of gender and identity, we are called to honor the identity God has given us. Deuteronomy 22:5 speaks to this, reminding us that our biological sex is not a mistake or a constraint, but a gift from our Creator. This isn't about rigid stereotypes or outdated norms, but about embracing who God has made us to be, male and female, both equally bearing His image.
2. Distinguishing Ourselves from the World: The call to holiness is a call to be distinct. Just as ancient Israel was commanded not to mix different seeds in their vineyards or wear garments of mixed fabrics (Deuteronomy 22:9-11), we too are called to live lives that are noticeably different from the world around us. This doesn't mean withdrawing from society, but rather engaging with it in a way that clearly reflects our allegiance to God.
3. Maintaining Moral Purity in Worship: Our worship of God should be marked by moral purity. The stern warnings against cult prostitution in Deuteronomy 23:17-18 remind us that how we approach God matters. In our modern context, this calls us to examine our hearts and motives in worship, ensuring that we come before God with integrity and purity.
4. Maintaining Dignity in Relationships: Even in conflict, we are called to maintain dignity and respect for others. The peculiar law in Deuteronomy 25:11-12 about a woman intervening in a fight between men serves as a reminder that there are boundaries we should not cross, even in defending those we love. This challenges us to consider how we handle conflicts and whether our actions, even if well-intentioned, honor God and respect the dignity of others.
5. Respecting Authority: The reminder to heed the instructions of the Levitical priests regarding skin diseases (Deuteronomy 24:8-9) points to a broader principle of respecting God-ordained authority. While we may sometimes need to question authority, especially when it contradicts God's word, we are generally called to a posture of humble submission to those God has placed over us.
6. Committing Daily to God's Word: The command to wear tassels on garments (Deuteronomy 22:12) served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's commands and their covenant relationship with Him. For us today, this underscores the importance of keeping God's Word ever before us. In a world full of distractions, we need intentional reminders of God's truth and our identity in Him.

These principles of holiness are not mere rules to follow, but invitations to a transformed life. They challenge us to examine every aspect of our lives - our identities, our relationships, our worship, our obedience to authority, and our commitment to God's Word - in light of God's holiness.

But here's the beautiful truth: we don't pursue holiness in our own strength. It is God Himself who makes us holy. As 1 Peter 1:16 reminds us, quoting from Leviticus, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." Our pursuit of holiness is a response to the holiness God has already bestowed upon us through Christ.

This truth should both humble and inspire us. We are called to a high standard - nothing less than the holiness of God Himself. Yet we are not left to achieve this on our own. God, in His grace, has set us apart and empowers us to live holy lives.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's remember that holiness is not about perfection, but about direction. It's about consistently orienting our lives towards God, allowing His holiness to shape our identities, our relationships, our worship, and our daily choices.

In practical terms, this might mean:

• Embracing and celebrating our God-given identities as male and female.
• Making choices in our careers, relationships, and leisure that set us apart from worldly values.
• Approaching worship with hearts of integrity and purity.
• Handling conflicts with dignity and respect, even when wronged.
• Submitting to authority with humility, while always holding fast to God's truth.
• Immersing ourselves daily in God's Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.

As we pursue holiness in these ways, we become living testimonies to the transforming power of God. Our lives become beacons of light in a dark world, pointing others to the holy God we serve.

Let us then embrace this high calling with joy and determination. May we echo the words of the psalmist: "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully" (Psalm 24:3-4).

In a world that often scoffs at the idea of holiness, let us be a people who unashamedly pursue it, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the very character of the God who has called us His own.