Bible Reading: Job 37; 1 Pet. 1:9-16
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”- 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)
Holiness implies living a life in total obedience to the word of God. It implies absence of transgression. A state of being acceptable to God. Achieving this will involve a process; knowing the will of God and ensuring complete obedience.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV says “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” This is the first stage in living holy. This stage includes accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. It entails studying the word of God and adhering to it. The practical application of the word of God is the most challenging, but it becomes easier when we submit to the Holy Spirit to guide us.
In the course of living holy, there are various obstacles; one of which is the worldly view that no one can live holy. This is a lie. God will not give us an instruction that is impossible. And the bible says in Philippians 4:13 KJV “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This means that whatever I focus on and determine to achieve while relying on Jesus Christ, I can surely achieve it.
Living holy means setting boundaries for ourselves. We all know our weaknesses and we can rely on God to help us work on them. The story of a Christian brother was told, who wanted to get married to a sister. He was then told by a prophet that it was revealed to him that the brother would commit adultery with the sister before they got married. When the brother heard this, he decided to set boundary. He told his fiancée about the prophecy and added that he had told God if he ever does so, he should become a leper. He then asked the sister to watch out except she was ready to marry a leper. Based on this, both of them were extra cautious and were able to prevent pre-marital sex.
So we all can live a life of holiness if we are determined to do so, study the word and obey the commandments. Then we can conveniently say that the great commandment in 1 Peter 1:16 KJV “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” is achievable.
Prayer: Father, help me to live a holy life in line with your commandment.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero