“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” — 1 Peter 1:15–16
Many people understand that God saves us through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the heart of the gospel. We are forgiven because of what Jesus has done for us, not because we have earned it. But sometimes Christians are surprised to hear that after God saves us, He continues working on us. His goal is not only to get us to heaven someday, but to make us more like Jesus while we are still here.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8
God’s objective for His children is holiness. That word may sound heavy or even frightening, but it simply means becoming more like God in character. Holiness is not acting better than other people. It is not walking around with a proud or religious attitude. True holiness is love that becomes pure, faith that becomes obedient, and a life that begins to reflect the goodness of God.
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:3
This does not mean we save ourselves by becoming holy. Salvation is God’s gift. The dying thief on the cross reminds us that God is full of grace and mercy, even in the final moments of life. We can trust God to do what is right, wise, and loving. But most of us are not saved in our final hour. Many of us have years to walk with God, learn from Him, and be shaped by Him.
Because God loves us as sons and daughters, He disciplines us. That does not mean He is cruel or harsh. It means He corrects us for our good. A loving parent does not ignore what will harm a child. In the same way, God deals with the sin, pride, bitterness, selfishness, and stubbornness that would keep us from growing. His correction is not meant to destroy us. It is meant to prepare us.
“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness.” — Hebrews 12:10
God is not asking us to become God. Only God is holy in the complete and perfect sense. He knows we are human. He remembers that we are dust. But He does call us to share in His holiness by becoming more like His Son. Every day, He wants our hearts to become more patient, more forgiving, more truthful, more humble, and more loving.
“And we all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
Holiness shows up in ordinary life. It shows up when we choose peace instead of arguing. It shows up when we forgive someone who hurt us. It shows up when we refuse to lie, cheat, gossip, or hold a grudge. It shows up when we help someone in need, treat people with kindness, and obey God even when no one is watching.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14
Sometimes God uses difficult seasons to grow us. He may use correction, waiting, disappointment, or trials to teach us what we could not learn any other way. These moments can be uncomfortable, but they are not wasted. God is preparing us for a holy home and for eternal fellowship with Him. If He had no more work to do in us, He could take us home immediately. But because He leaves us here, we can trust that He is still shaping us.
So do not be afraid of holiness. Be drawn to it. Holiness is not cold or distant. It is the beauty of God’s character being formed in His children. God’s objective is not to make us miserable, but to make us more like Jesus. He is preparing us for heaven by teaching us to live with heaven in our hearts now.
Closing Prayer: Father, thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ. Thank You for loving me enough to keep working in my heart. Help me not to resist Your correction or fear Your call to holiness. Make me more like Jesus each day. Teach me to love what is pure, to turn away from sin, and to reflect Your goodness in my words, choices, and actions. Amen.
Reflection Question: What is one area of my life where God may be inviting me to grow in holiness and become more like Jesus?
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026