Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Scripture Focus:

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” — 2 Timothy 1:9

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

Introduction: More Than Words

In today’s culture, claiming Christianity is as easy as checking a box or wearing a cross necklace. But living as a follower of Christ? That’s another story entirely.

Many say they follow Christ—but when you look at their lifestyle, values, or attitudes, the fruit is missing. The walk doesn’t match the talk. We must ask ourselves the tough question: Do people know I’m a Christian because I tell them, or because they see it lived out in me?

My pastor once said something that stuck with me: “If the people and places you frequent don’t know you’re a Christian, it’s time to come out of the closet.” That statement echoed in my spirit because it captures the heart of what it means to live “set apart”—the essence of holiness.

In recent years, we’ve seen countless people “come out of the closet” in terms of identity, preference, and belief. Meanwhile, many Christians seem to have gone into hiding—into a spiritual closet where they keep their faith tucked away. But as Pentecostal believers, we are called not just to believe, but to burn with a visible, Holy Spirit-empowered fire that can’t be hidden.

What Does It Mean to Be “Set Apart”?

The word holy comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “set apart” or “different.” According to 1 Peter 1:15–16:

“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Holiness isn’t about legalism. It’s about reflecting God’s character. It means that in the middle of a world saturated with compromise, you choose purity. When the world shouts, “Follow your heart,” you follow Jesus. When society normalizes sin, you normalize righteousness.

To live holy is to live counterculturally, empowered by grace, and sustained by the Spirit. Romans 12:2 doesn’t say, “Try not to be worldly.” It says:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed.”

That’s not a suggestion; it’s a command. In Holiness isn’t optional—it’s the evidence of a Spirit-filled life.

Your Life Should Preach Louder Than Your Lips

The early church didn’t rely on marketing campaigns or billboards. Their lifestyle was the message. Acts 4:13 says the people “recognized they had been with Jesus.” That same recognition should be true of us.

Ask yourself:

• When gossip breaks out, do I shut it down or jump in?
• When sexual immorality is the norm, am I saving myself for the covenant of marriage?
• When the jokes get crude or filthy, do I laugh or walk away?
• Do I dress in a way that draws people’s eyes to me—or to Christ?

Now, before you think this is about policing clothing or sounding judgmental, remember: God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The issue isn’t about fashion—it’s about intention. Are you seeking attention, or seeking to glorify God?

We don’t dress holy to earn salvation, but because we already belong to the King. Royalty doesn’t act like everyone else. You’re not called to blend in. You’re called to represent Heaven.

Why We Hide: Fear, Comfort, and Culture

Let’s be honest—being different is hard. It’s easier to blend in. The pressure to be silent, to “keep the peace,” or to not offend is heavy.

But 2 Timothy 1:9 reminds us that we were called to this holy life before time began. That means your holiness wasn’t a plan B. It was God’s purpose from the start.

The Spirit of this age tries to make Christians feel ashamed for standing firm in truth. But Romans 1:16 still rings true:

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation.”

Being ashamed of Jesus is not an option. If Christ endured the shame of the cross for us, the least we can do is endure the discomfort of public obedience for Him.

Holiness and the Holy Spirit

Pentecostal theology reminds us that we don’t walk in holiness by sheer willpower. Holiness is the fruit of intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t just personality traits; they’re supernatural indicators that the Spirit is alive and active within us.

You can’t produce this fruit by faking it. It grows from living connected to Jesus—abiding in Him (John 15). A Holy Spirit-filled life is a set-apart life. Pentecost was not just about speaking in tongues—it was about boldness, purity, and power to live out God’s calling.

The Heart Behind the Action

Let’s go deeper. Motives matter.

God knows whether you’re in that bar because you’re rescuing a friend or because you’re ready to join the party. He knows if your confrontation with someone is from a place of love and conviction—or if it’s fueled by bitterness and pride.

He knows whether you’re using your words to build or destroy.

As Jesus said,

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).

So let’s ask the hard questions:

• Am I living in a way that reflects God’s nature?
• Am I walking in the Spirit, or feeding my flesh?
• Am I representing Heaven well—or just trying to blend in?

We Don’t Earn Holiness, We Reflect It

Let’s be crystal clear—we don’t earn salvation through good behavior. You can’t behave your way into Heaven. Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us we are saved by grace through faith, not by works.

But once you are saved, you reflect your new identity through holy living.

You’re not holy to get God’s attention—you’re holy because you already have it.

Holiness is your birthright as a child of God. It’s not about superiority; it’s about responsibility. Royalty doesn’t just wear a crown—it carries a code.

Choose the Language of Heaven

We’ve become fluent in complaining, criticism, sarcasm, and doubt. But that’s not the language of Heaven. Complaining is the language of hell—praise is the language of Heaven.

What language are you speaking?

Are your words full of faith, hope, and love? Or are they dripping with negativity, gossip, and doubt?

Praise breaks chains. Praise shifts atmospheres. Praise is the voice of a heart that trusts God.

So let your life sing the praises of the One who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).

It’s Time to Come Out of the Closet

In a world unashamed of sin, it’s time for the Church to be unashamed of holiness.

You were never meant to hide your light. Jesus said,

“A city on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:14–16).

Let them see your love. Let them see your joy. Let them see your purity, your peace, your self-control. Let your life be a sermon louder than your lips.

And when they ask, “What’s different about you?”—tell them about Jesus.

A Call to Holy Boldness

Beloved, it’s time to live boldly and visibly for Christ. Not arrogantly. Not self-righteously. But authentically and powerfully.

• Choose purity over popularity.
• Choose praise over complaining.
• Choose forgiveness over bitterness.
• Choose boldness over silence.
• Choose to be seen—not for your glory, but for God’s.

Come out of the closet. Let the world know who you belong to. You are royalty. Live like it.

Final Reflection

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life…” (2 Timothy 1:9)

You were called. Not just to go to Heaven—but to bring Heaven to earth by how you live.

So, what language are you speaking today? What example are you setting? Who are you representing?

Let the answer be unmistakable: You represent Jesus.

Not just with your words—but with your whole life.

#Holiness #PentecostalFaith #ComeOutOfTheCloset #SetApart #HolyLiving #SpiritLedLife