Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In the verses of 1 Peter 1:15-16 and 1 Thessalonians 4:7, the Bible makes it abundantly clear that we are called to live holy lives. However, the question that arises is: what does living a “holy” life truly mean? Holiness can be defined as being saintly, blessed, or set apart. As Christians, we are called to be distinct from the world around us, leading lives that reflect our faith through our thoughts, actions, and everyday choices. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve deeper into the meaning of holiness, its implications for our lives, and how we are transformed into the individuals God has called us to be.

The Nature of Holiness

At its core, holiness denotes a state of being different, set apart, and uniquely designated for a purpose. To live a holy life means more than just following a list of rules; it signifies a profound transformation of the heart and mind. When we accept Christ, we are made brand new. This transformation is instant in the spiritual realm—at that moment, our position changes. God declares us righteous and holy in His sight, meaning that when He looks at us, He sees a child covered by the righteousness of Christ.
However, this particular aspect of holiness is accompanied by a significant reality: while our spiritual state is set as holy in Christ, we continue to live in our fleshly bodies, within a world that often promotes the contrary. The ongoing pursuit of holiness is a process of learning and growing, often filled with challenges.

The Process of Transformation

Living out our holiness is a daily process. While our spiritual identity is secured and we are united with Christ, we live our everyday lives in a fleshly body and possess a natural mind that often gravitates toward worldly thoughts and actions. Being “made new” does not imply an immediate cessation of our old nature; instead, it initiates a lifelong journey where we begin to embody the character of Christ.
This transformation does not emerge from our strength; it is a work of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. God invites us to work out our salvation by yielding to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit within us. As we do this, we gradually become more like Christ and start making decisions reflective of His character. However, it’s important to note that our quest for holiness isn’t about earning anything—salvation and our position in Christ has already been granted to us as a gift.

Living Out of Love and Gratitude

The pursuit of holiness should stem from love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us. When we realize the depth of our salvation, it motivates us to live lives that honor God. We reflect on the grace extended to us, realizing that we are called to mirror not just Christ’s actions but also His character.
Holiness then becomes less about a checklist of do’s and don’ts and more about a compelling desire to live for our Lord out of appreciation for His grace. As we delve deeper into our relationship with Jesus, we inevitably begin to reflect His image in our lives. Over time, as we grow in our understanding of God, the characteristics of Christ become more evident in us.

The Relationship of a Daughter

To illustrate this transformation, let’s consider the concept of familial relationships. I am my mother’s daughter; her DNA runs through my veins, and out of her, I was birthed. There is a significant connection between us—one that is both biological and relational. Science affirms that the actions and emotions of a mother have a lasting impact on her offspring, leaving footprints in their lives.
In the same way, our relationship with God mirrors that familial bond. As we grow in our relationship with our heavenly Father, we begin to see our nature aligned more closely with His. Growing up in Christ allows us to reflect Him, demonstrating that while we are uniquely ourselves, we inevitably bear the resemblance of our Father.
This reflection becomes clearer as we experience surrender to the Son. In John 14:6, Jesus states, “No man comes to the Father, but by me.” Recognizing this truth guides us to submit ourselves to Christ. When we surrender, we embark on an exhilarating journey of growth—a journey toward becoming more like our Father: holy, just, and perfect.

Holiness is a Command

Holiness, according to scriptures, is not merely an option but a divine command. 1 Peter 1:15 states, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” This exhortation emphasizes that being holy is intertwined with our identity in Christ. We are called to live lives that not only declare our faith but also reflect the character of God.
In essence, holiness is both a position and a process. Our position in Christ is already secure; we have been declared righteous. Yet, the process of sanctification continues throughout our lives. This duality serves as both a challenge and an encouragement. While we strive toward holiness, we can rest assured in the knowledge that our identity is rooted in the work of Christ.

Navigating the Challenges of Holiness

As we strive to live holy lives, we are often met with challenges that can hinder our pursuit of holiness. Our flesh constantly battles against our spiritual calling, seeking to divert us from living in accordance with God’s will. The ebb and flow of daily life often pulls us toward distractions and temptations that don’t align with our identity as holy children of God.
It is here that cultivating a close relationship with God becomes paramount. Engaging in regular prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, and spending time with fellow believers strengthens our resolve to pursue holiness. We must also recognize that setbacks may occur, and our sanctification is a journey that may have its ups and downs. However, even in our shortcomings, the grace of God meets us.

What Does Holiness Look Like?

Understanding that holiness is both our position in Christ and our ongoing process leads us to contemplate what holiness looks like in practice. Practically speaking, holiness manifests in the way we think, speak, and act. Our daily choices reflect our internal beliefs, showcasing the transformation that occurs when we yield our lives to the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Holiness may look like offering forgiveness when it’s difficult, practicing love toward those who seem unlovable, standing firm in the convictions of our faith amidst societal pressures, and displaying integrity in our workplaces. As we live out our calling, others should be able to witness the distinctive nature of our lives, ultimately pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.

Conclusion: The Journey of Becoming Holy

Living a holy life is both a profound privilege and a divine command. As we delve deeper into our relationship with God, our lives should increasingly reflect Christ’s character. We are reminded that holiness is not just an external behavior modification but rather an internal transformation—a manifestation of our love for God and an acknowledgment of His grace in our lives.
The journey of holiness is an ongoing process, but we can embrace it with joy, knowing that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Each day offers new choices, opportunities for growth, and chances to mirror God’s love to those around us. As we pursue holiness, let us also be encouraged by the hope that as we grow up in Christ, we will reflect more of the image of our Father.
This journey might be filled with trials, but it is a pursuit worth committing to, for in doing so, we honor not only our calling but also the one who called us to be holy. Let us strive to live as His set-apart children, growing in holiness, and allowing the light of Christ to shine through us.