In Pursuit of Holiness

So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

Maybe I’m just old, but I really feel like our culture wants Jesus without the implications of being holy.

I am really trying to wrap my mind around some things about culture. I work with a number of individuals from my kids’ generations, and I love them dearly! Many of them profess Christianity, truly longing for a relationship with Him. And yet, I see so many outward actions that seem contrary to scripture.

There are definitely aspects of life and culture that have changed since I was a young adult. Our culture readily accepts words that were banned from our house as a normal part of speech these days. Words that have never even crossed my lips are common-place in our society. I understand many of these words were labeled as curse words by previous generations, but I find myself wondering about boundaries.

Scripture teaches us to let our words be for the benefit of building others up, to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths (Ephesians 4:29). The Bible also says that out of the overflow of our hearts flow the words in our mouths (Luke 6:45). Therefore, we should be mindful of the words that come from our mouth. But does the person who uses foul language love God less?

Or maybe it’s not about language. What about sex outside of marriage? I grew up in the purity culture where we were challenged to save ourselves for marriage. I understand some of those teachings created dilemmas where we struggled to acknowledge our sexuality within the bounds of marriage. I also understand the stigma and condemnation some felt when they did not hold up to the ideals of scripture.

While I’m not saying the purity culture was right, I do think there was a push for our generation to have a biblical view of sexuality. After all, scripture teaches there should not even be a hint of sexual immorality (Ephesians 5:3). The Bible also teaches that the marriage bed should be honored by all (Hebrews 13:4) and that we should learn to control our bodies in a way that is holy and honorable (1 Thessalonians 4:4-5).

But it seems sex has just become a normal part of all dating relationships. Even those who claim Christ think nothing of engaging in sexual acts long before marriage is even a thought in the mind. Many people jump from relationship to relationship, never thinking about the future with a committed spouse.

I have to admit that I don’t even comprehend that way of thinking. Back to the “maybe I’m old” topic or even old-fashioned. The truth is I struggle to understand how society–western Christians specifically–justify the anything goes mentality in light of scripture. It’s not just language or sex. It goes so much further. The things we look at, from porn to entertainment (Psalm 101:3). The food we eat and the way we care for our bodies (Romans 12:1). Alcohol in excess (Ephesians 5:18). I’m sure I could go on, but I hope you understand my thoughts.

But how do we cultivate holiness in our lives? Sure, scriptures tell us to be holy because He is holy. That gives us the why. But what about the how?

As I was reading scripture this week, I came across Isaiah 6. In this passage, Isaiah is having a vision. In it, he finds himself at the throne of God. The seraphim are crying out Holy in response to being in God’s presence.

Isaiah is overwhelmed to be in God’s presence.

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 6:5

It’s in God’s presence that Isaiah is keenly aware of his sins, of his unclean lips, of his utter failures to truly be holy, to live up to God’s standard. When confronted with the sheer holiness of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, he recognizes the true depths of holiness. He knows there is no way he can be holy as God is holy.

But God…

You see, in that moment when Isaiah recognizes his failure to be holy, God in His mercy reaches out and touches his lips (Isaiah 6:6-7). In this vision, it’s a seraphim that touches Isaiah and purifies him. In our lives, it’s the blood of Jesus that makes us holy.

It’s not about our own efforts. It’s not about our discipline or self-control (even though self-control is a gift of the Spirit according to Galatians 5). Instead, it’s about our cleansing through the blood of our Savior, the blood spilt to cover all our sins. It’s about God’s great mercy and love, a love that made a way for us to draw near to Him. Our ability to live holy comes through seeing God for who He is, through His completed work on the cross.

When we truly encounter the Father, we are forever changed. We long to live different, to live holy lives. Like a young child, we long to please our Father. And like a loving father, He teaches us to live differently. It’s not an act of the will; it’s a response of seeing our Heavenly Father for who He is.

Have you encountered the Father in all of His glory? If so, I am glad to be on this journey to holiness with you. If you haven’t, it’s never too late! Surrender. Ask Him to take over every part of your life. Pour your heart and soul into seeking Him and His kingdom.

Taste and see that He truly is good (Psalm 34:8)!