What We Mean When We Say Holiness

What We Mean When We Say Holiness

The word holiness can be intimidating. It may even seem complicated. Holiness is often perceived as being perfect or living a hyper-strict religious life. But the Bible beautifully describes holiness.

Holiness means being set apart for God.

When someone accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they are made righteous. That means they are made right with God because of what Jesus did on the cross. That part is a gift.

But holiness is how we choose to live after that—choosing to be set apart for God’s glory. It’s the way we respond to God’s love, and honor Him with our lives.

As many teachers have said, “Holiness isn’t the root of our relationship with God; it’s the fruit of it.” We don’t live holy lives to make God love us. We live holy lives because we already belong to Him and desire to do those things that please Him (John 8:29).

So what does living a holy life look like in everyday life?

Choose Truth Over Culture

Romans 12:2 says do not be conformed to the world. That means we shouldn’t let the culture around us shape our beliefs and behavior. When it comes to new thoughts or ideas, do they line up with the truth of God’s Word, or do they come from culture?

Living holy and being set apart means our thoughts, words and actions start to look more like Jesus.

This doesn’t mean avoiding people who don’t believe. It means being cautious about the influences we allow into our lives—what we watch, listen to, and spend our time on. What we feed our minds will shape who we become.

Let God’s Word Lead You

Everyone faces temptation. Being tempted isn’t the sin; giving in to it is.

The Bible says God always provides a way out when temptation comes (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes the best response is to walk away.

We’re told to flee from sin. In other words, don’t entertain it, don’t debate it, and don’t stay close to it. Choose to step away before it takes hold.

Holiness also means allowing God’s Word to guide how we live.

The world’s standards are always changing, but God’s truth doesn’t change. Living holy means choosing to follow what God says, even when culture says something different.

This doesn’t come from fear or pressure. It comes from love for God and a desire to please Him.

Follow Your Conscience

We can follow the example of Paul in the Bible, who said, “I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people” (Acts 24:16).

What does it mean to have a clear conscience? When something on the inside bothers you, don’t ignore it. When you have an uneasiness about doing something, don’t pretend it’s not there.

Follow your conscience because this is where God leads and guides you. He will lead and guide you to live a life of holiness, fully pleasing to Him.

Holiness is a lifestyle every believer can choose. In simple terms, holiness means:

• Separating yourself from things that pull you away from God
• Turning away from temptation
• Living according to God’s Word
• Following your conscience.

Living a holy life doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t happen because we do all the right things, either. This is your invitation into a life set apart by God and for God.