You shall be holy for I am holy. Lev. 11:45
Holiness - what is it? A term common to Jews and Christians alike, yet too often its meaning appears to be somewhat nebulous in the minds of many.
The Hebrew word for holiness is kadosh, which comes from the word that means “separate” as if to say that that which is holy is separate from that which is not. To speak of holiness in God’s people is to say that they have been set apart or separated from other peoples in order to live differently. By following God’s commandments and walking in His ways, their lives demonstrate a separation from the earthly, the carnal and the sinful. Therefore, it can be said, they lead “holy” lives.
Holiness, therefore, is not something abstract or mystical. It is very real and demonstratable. It is developed as we grow in obedience to God’s Word with an undivided heart. The greater the reality of God’s presence in our lives, the holier we become. His presence increases in us as a direct result of our obedience in small and great things on a daily basis.
Holiness is not for the saints of old – it is what God is looking for in His people today. He has said clearly in His word, “You shall be holy for I am holy”. May I say it this way? “Since I am holy, you who are made in my image, are to continually become more like Me in thought, word and deed.”
This is indeed our highest calling – to live in such a way that holiness increases in the world as we live out our commitment to obey Him in all things.
Shalom,
Barbara Richmond
www.foryourglory.org
