Inviting Holiness

Leviticus 11:45 (NIV?)
“I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.”

God calls us to imitate His holiness, but His holiness is difficult for us to fully comprehend. We see many of God’s attributes expressed in other ways. We know people we consider to be wise, and from observing them, we can imagine a wise God. We see the ocean roar and lightning flash, and we can imagine a powerful God. We see the love of parents for their children, and we can imagine God’s love for us. But no person or act of nature is holy, so we can only know about holiness from observing how God has acted through the ages. We see it in His perfect consistency and absolute righteousness. We see it in Jesus’ life of love and sacrifice. We see it in the abundant way the Holy Spirit fills us and guides us. Nothing in our lives escapes His invitation to holiness. So, in everything—your relationships, your business dealings, and your recreation—seek to be holy, because He is holy and has called you to be holy, too.

THINK ABOUT IT
If you asked your family and friends whether your actions were holy, what would they say? What words and actions reflect Christ, and which ones fall short?

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I choose Your best! Teach me to walk in paths of righteousness and to honor Your Word. Keep me far from deception, and deliver me from temptation. My desire is to live uprightly before You, to be pleasing in Your sight, and to fulfill all You created me to do. Holy Spirit, give me an understanding heart and the discernment to recognize the truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.