READ LEVITICUS 19
At the outset of this chapter, Moses receives a vital message from the Lord: “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” God is urging the people of Israel (and us) to lead lives of holiness, reflecting His own holy nature.
What does it mean to be holy? In Hebrew, something holy is considered sacred, distinct, and devoted. God Himself is distinct from humanity and all creation due to His divine essence and His separation from sin. Therefore, if we are to heed this command to lead holy lives because God is holy, we must strive to live in a manner that sets us apart from the world and above sin.
This directive is reiterated in 1 Peter 1:14-16, stating, “As obedient children, not fashioning [conforming] yourselves according to the former lusts [evil desires] in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Holiness transcends mere actions; it involves living a distinct life separate from the world. As believers (obedient children), we are summoned to live apart from the sin prevalent in the world (resisting evil desires) and align ourselves with God’s divine authority by making choices that separate us from worldly patterns, thus resembling Him more closely.
God did not just command the Israelites to be holy without providing guidance on how to do so. The succeeding verses of the chapter outline God’s provisions for holiness. While some of these laws may not be directly applicable today, the essence of living a holy life remains unchanged. To be holy as God is holy, we must be obedient to His commands, be willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and desires, and strive to imitate God.
Israel was primarily tasked with being a holy nation, and it’s noteworthy that when the Lord issued this command to Moses, He instructed him (v. 2) to “speak to all (emphasis added) the congregation of the people of Israel.” God was not simply calling Moses (or the priests) to pursue holiness but the entire nation. Similarly, we are all called to pursue holiness, as stated in Romans 6:22, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
QUESTIONS
1. Can you explain holiness in your own terms?
2. What are some concrete methods you can use to strive for holiness in your everyday routine?
3. Take some time to consider if you have a longing to pursue holiness. What drives you or holds you back?