God
has not called us to live impure lives but to walk in holiness; to be holy as
He is holy (1 Peter 1:15). But, what does it mean for us to be holy?
The
word, "holy," (Greek – hagios) means, "to be set apart,
separated” for God’s use. To be holy is the opposite of being “profane” or
“corrupt”. We live in a world that is filled with corruption and moral
decay. The Christians is to be different from the world. When God told Israel
to be holy in Leviticus 11:45 and 19:2, He was instructing them to be distinct
from the other nations. Therefore, He gave them a set of laws to govern their
lives. They were holy to God as long as their lives were governed by those
laws.
But,
how can we become holy? Very simple: We must daily live a set-apart life. Paul
calls it transformation: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind,” (Romans 12:2). To conform is
"blend in" with the world. The opposite is transformation. To be
transformed is to be different, to be separated from the world. That’s the idea
of holiness: to set-apart.
What
are the things that are included in holy living?
1.
PURE HEART AND MIND. Solomon wrote: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is
he” (Proverbs 23:7). It is not what is outside but what is inside that
defines a man. Our Lord concurs: “For out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man” (Matthew
15:19-20). What consumes our minds, controls our lives; a corrupt mind will
result in a corrupt life.
2.
PURE SPEECH. Paul wrote: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). The word rendered “corrupt” means
bad, decayed, rotten, and dirty. Obscene and filthy conversation prevailed
everywhere – in movies, internet, TV, books, and daily conversations. The
Christian must not let his mouth be tainted with the filth of this world.
Paul
advised young men to use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned” (Titus
2:8). It means, use clean language that no one can criticize: “Let your
speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt,” (Colossians 4:6).
3.
PURE ACTION. Listen to Paul’s advice to young people: “Flee also youthful
lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). We need to monitor our media intake. We need to
watch our temper: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath” (James 1:19). We need to watch our steps: “Avoid it, pass not by
it, turn from it, and pass away” (Proverbs 4:15).
4.
PURE RELATIONSHIP. It is a known maxim that “Evil companionships corrupt
good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ASV). He who frequents the company of
bad or corrupt men will soon be as they are. One who desires holiness chooses
his friends wisely (Psalm 1:1).
The
psalmist wrote: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the
work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” (Psalms 101:3). He
said he will behave himself wisely in a perfect way (Psalm 101:2). He desired
to live a holy life.
We
can be holy. Let us recognize what tempts us to sin and avoid them. Let us
choose friends carefully. Let us check our tongues. The Christian calling
demands purity of life. Let us make a commitment to live by God's standard: be ye holy in all manner of living (1 Peter 1:15).
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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