The Call to Holiness: Living a Life Set Apart for God

The term holiness is a core principle in Christianity and forms the foundation of our relationship with God. Holiness means separation from sin and consecration to a holy God. It is about being thoroughly pure from all manner of sin, pleasing God in our words, thoughts, actions, appearance, and every aspect of life.

Holiness is imperative in our service to God. Hebrews 12:14 says:

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."

Some people try to minimize sin rather than pursue true holiness, but this is contrary to God's standard. There is no alternative to holiness—it is the only path to aligning with God’s will. 1 Peter 1:16 reinforces this by saying:

"Be ye holy, for I am holy."

Unfortunately, holiness has become an old-fashioned topic among many modern-day pastors and preachers. The message has been diluted, manipulated, and adulterated, leading to its gradual disappearance. While Christianity is growing rapidly, true righteousness is on a sharp decline.

The world we live in has become increasingly ungodly. A powerful current of wickedness, immorality, and blatant sin is sweeping across the earth. Acceptance and practice of ungodly values have become the norm. Many now live by the mindset:

"If everyone else is doing it, why can't I?"

But to truly live a life of holiness, we must consciously adopt certain lifestyles. Here are key principles to follow:

Yield to God's Power
Understand that you cannot achieve holiness on your own. You must submit yourself to God and seek His grace and empowerment.

James 4:7 says:
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Holiness is possible only when we rely on God's strength rather than our own abilities.

Be Conscious of Your Thoughts
Your thoughts shape your actions. If you constantly entertain sinful thoughts, you will struggle to live in holiness.

Submit your thoughts to Christ.
Do not sugarcoat or justify sin.
Refuse to dwell on evil, revenge, immorality, or lustful desires.
Declare daily: "I no longer do those things; I am now a holy servant of God."

Take every sinful thought captive and bring it into obedience to Christ.

Guard Your Eyes Diligently
Your eyes are gateways to your heart and soul. Be mindful of:

The music videos you watch.
The movies and TV shows you engage with.
The skits and content you consume on social media.

Make a covenant with your eyes to flee from pornography and all forms of sexual impurity.

Crucify the Flesh
The flesh constantly wars against the spirit. If left unchecked, it will lead you into sin. Therefore, you must:

Run away from all forms of sexual immorality.
Avoid masturbation and sexual relationships outside of marriage.
Discipline your body and bring it under the control of God's Word.

Galatians 5:16 instructs us:
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Walking in the Spirit enables us to resist sin and live in holiness.

Avoid Following the Crowd
Remember, popular opinion is not God's opinion.

Jesus taught that few people follow the narrow path to life, while many follow the broad path to destruction.

Do not conform to the world’s sinful trends, such as:

Fornication
Lying
Cheating
Dishonesty

Stand firm, even if you must walk alone. True holiness requires courage and separation from sin.

Eliminate Grudges and Unforgiveness
Harboring grudges, resentment, or unforgiveness binds us in a spiritual prison and prevents spiritual growth.

Let go of past offenses.
Free yourself from bitterness.
Pursue peace and righteousness.

Philippians 4:8 instructs us:
"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Fill your mind with God’s Word and focus on things that honor Him.

We live in an increasingly unholy generation, but God’s standard remains unchanged.

Holiness is not optional—it is a command. May God grant you the strength, wisdom, and grace to live a holy life in a world that constantly pulls toward sin.

Amen.