Holiness, Is It Optional For Christians?

In today’s Christian community, holiness often seems to be a forgotten concept.  You have no doubt heard it expressed that it is difficult today to tell the difference between saints and sinners.  Christians, in general, seem to enjoy the same entertainment, whether music or cinema, dress in similar clothing, indulge in the same eating and drinking habits, and follow, for the most part, the same materialistic lifestyles as the rest of the world.  In John 15:19, Jesus said that ‘I have chosen you out of the world’, and in John 17:14He says that His followers are ‘not of the world, even as I am not of the world.’  Yet it seems that worldly pursuits are often the main priorities of far too many Christians.  Although Paul says in I Timothy6:17 that ‘God gives us richly all things to enjoy’, it follows an admonition in verse 11 that the ‘man of God should follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.’  The pursuit of these attributes is undoubtedly a reflection of the desire and commitment to living a life of holiness.

Scripture verses to consider

Leviticus 20:7        ‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.’

2 Corinthians 7:1  ‘Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.’

Hebrews 12:14      ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.’

How would you define holiness?

Do you feel that you are living a life of holiness?

Do you think a holy life is possible in today’s wicked world?