Understanding Holiness in Everyday Christian Living
Have you ever come across the Bible verse, “Be ye holy, for I am holy,” and wondered what it really means? This command shows up in 1 Peter 1:16, where Peter is actually quoting from the Old Testament (Leviticus 11:44–45). But what is holiness, and why does it matter for our everyday lives? Let’s take a simple, down-to-earth look at this important idea and see how it can shape who we are.
The Background: God’s Call to His People
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy – Leviticus 11:44. This command was addressed at first to the Israelites, but it is with equal propriety addressed to Christians, as the professed people of God. The foundation of the command is, that they professed to be his people, and that as his people they ought to be like their God. Compare Micah 4:5. It is a great truth, that people everywhere will imitate the God whom they worship. They will form their character in accordance with his. They will regard what he does as right. They will attempt to rise no higher in virtue than the God whom they adore, and they will practice freely what he is supposed to do or approve. Hence, by knowing what are the characteristics of the gods which are worshipped by any people, we may form a correct estimate of the character of the people themselves; and, hence, as the God who is the object of the Christian’s worship is perfectly holy, the character of His worshipers should also be holy. And hence, also, we may see that the tendency of true religion is to make people pure. As the worship of the impure gods of the pagan moulds the character of the worshippers into their image, so the worship of Yahweh moulds the character of His professed friends into His image, and they become like him.
Leviticus set forth the spiritual ground on which the distinction between clean and unclean is based. Compare the marginal references and Leviticus 10:10; Leviticus 20:25-26; 1 Peter 1:15-16.
The basis of the obligation to maintain the distinction was the call of the Hebrews to be the special people of Yahweh. It was to be something in their daily life to remind them of the covenant which distinguished them from the nations of the world. By Jesus Christ it was revealed (Matthew 15:11) to the elect people that they were no longer to be tied by the letter of the Law in regard to their food, but were to be left to the exercise of a regenerated judgment. They were to learn that the kingdom of God is not eating, or abstaining from, meats and drinks; but righteousness, and truth, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17. Compare Acts 10:15; 1 Timothy 4:4).
What Is Holiness?
In everyday terms, holiness means being set apart—different from the ordinary. It’s not just about following a bunch of rules. To be holy is to be set apart for a special purpose, and to live in a way that’s morally pure and good. Imagine taking your favorite cup and using it only for special moments; in a way, you’ve set it apart. In the Bible, God calls His people to be set apart in their actions, thoughts, and character.
Holiness also means being clean inside and out—free from things that don’t fit with God’s character, like selfishness, dishonesty, or pride. But it’s not about being perfect on our own. Instead, it’s about belonging to God and letting Him shape us from the inside out.
God as the Standard
Why does God call us to be holy? Because He is holy. God is totally pure, loving, just, and completely separate from anything wrong. In ancient times, this idea made the God of Israel different from other gods people worshipped. Other gods were seen as unpredictable or even immoral, but the God of the Bible is good and unchanging. He sets the standard for what is right and calls us to reflect that in our own lives.
Holiness in Everyday Life
Holiness isn’t just for church or religious “superstars.” It’s for everyone who follows Jesus. It shows up in the choices we make, the words we use, and how we treat others. For example:
- Choosing to be honest, even when a little lie might make life easier
- Showing kindness to someone who’s hard to love
- Refusing to gossip, even when everyone else is doing it
- Being fair at work, even if no one is watching
- Forgiving someone, just as God forgives us
Holiness isn’t just about what we avoid; it’s about the good we do because we want to live like Jesus.
Not Just for Show: Holiness as a New Identity
It’s easy to think holiness is about looking good or checking religious boxes. But real holiness comes from knowing we have a new identity in Christ. When we trust in Jesus, God gives us a new heart and calls us His children. We don’t try to be holy to earn God’s love—we live holy lives because He already loves us. It’s not about performance; it’s about living out who we truly are in Him.
Motivation: Reflecting God’s Character
Why should we care about holiness? Because when we live this way, we show the world what God is like. It’s not just about keeping rules; it’s about reflecting God’s love, justice, and goodness to others. Our motivation is to know God better and let His character shine through us.
Practical Steps: Living Out Holiness
How can we grow in holiness? The Bible encourages us to be sober-minded and watchful. That means being thoughtful about our choices and aware of things that might pull us away from God. Here are some practical steps:
- Start your day with a simple prayer, asking God for guidance and strength
- Read a short Bible passage and think about how it applies to your life
- Be slow to speak and quick to listen, especially in tough situations
- Choose friends who encourage you to live for God
- Avoid situations that tempt you to do what you know is wrong
- Show love, even when it’s hard
Remember, it’s a journey—no one gets it right all the time. God is patient and helps us grow step by step.
Imitating the God We Worship
Throughout history, people have often become like the gods they worship. If we worship a loving, holy God, we’ll start to take on His qualities. True religion isn’t just about rituals; it’s about letting God shape our hearts to be more like His. As we spend time with God, our character changes, and we begin to love what He loves and avoid what He hates.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Pursue Holiness
God’s call to “be holy, for I am holy” isn’t meant to weigh us down. It’s an invitation to a different way of life—a life that’s set apart, good, and filled with God’s love. Whatever you face today, remember that holiness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about trusting God, living out your new identity in Christ, and letting His character shape every part of your life. Step by step, you are becoming more like Him—and that’s a beautiful thing.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 