What to do to keep your holiness in check always

The term holiness is a core subject in Christianity that forms the foundation of our relationship with God. Holiness means separation from sin and consecration to a holy God; it means to be thoroughly pure from all manner of sin, pleasing God by the words we speak, the thoughts of our mind, the actions we take, the way we dress, and every single thing we do. 

Holiness is so imperative in our service to God. Hebrews chapter 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the lord. Some people try to minimize sin instead of being holy, but that's contrary to the demand of God. There's no alternative to holiness; it is the only means to attain the standard of God. 1st Peter chapter 1:16 says, "Be ye holy for I am holy." 

Unfortunately, holiness has become an old-fashioned topic among modern-day pastors and preachers. The teaching has been diluted, manipulated, and adulterated, and it is slowly disappearing; Christianity is growing rapidly, but righteousness is on a sharp decline.

The world we live in has become so ungodly. There is a powerful current sweeping across the face of the earth now, a current of wickedness, immorality, and blatant sin. Acceptance and practice of ungodly values have become the norm of the day; it has become a matter of "If everyone else is doing it, why can't I? To truly live a life of holiness, here are lifestyles we have to adopt: 

First is to yield to God's power: 

Understand that you cannot do it alone, submit yourself to God, and seek his grace and empowerment. James chapter 4:7 says, "Submit yourself therefore to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

The second is to be conscious of your thoughts:

Submit your thoughts to Christ, do not sugarcoat or justify sin. Control your thoughts, and do not think evil, revenge, immorality, or lust of the flesh. Say to yourself constantly, "I do not do those things anymore; I am now a holy servant." Take every evil thought captive and subject it to obey Christ.

The third is to guide your eyes always:

Guide what your eyes can see, the kind of music videos you watch, the type of movies you watch, the shows you watch, and the kind of skits you watch on social media. Agree with your eyes to flee pornography. 

Fourth is to crucify the flesh:

Run away from all forms of sexual immorality. Do not engage in masturbation or sexual affairs outside of marriage. Control your flesh and subject it thoroughly to the word of God. Remember the saying of the scriptures in Galatians 5:16, walk in the spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Fifth is to shun following the crowd: Remember that popular opinion is not God's opinion. Few people follow the narrow path that leads to life but more people follow the wider path of destruction. Don't follow the crowd to indulge in fornication, lies, cheating, and all sorts of sin.

Sixth is to eliminate all grudges, resentments, and lack of forgiveness and live in freedom! All these are chains that bind us in prison and prevent us from growing in holiness; fill your mind with God’s word.  Pursue whatsoever things that are honest and pure as stated in Philippians 4:8: which says, "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. May God help and strengthen you to live holy in this very unholy generation. Amen.