God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

What does it mean to you to be holy? Do you aspire to be holy? Do you think it’s possible for humans to be holy?

Let’s start with what does it mean to be holy?

God is holy. He is the single source of all holiness.

“Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy.” Psalm 99:9

“Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you– majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11

The Prophet Isaiah had a vision of the Lord where the Angels (Seraphim) were singing of His holiness!

“… I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said,
 “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3

Jesus, the living God, is the source of all holiness and if we allow Him to teach us and work through us as instruments of His holy will then we can become extensions of God, consecrated for His divine purposes. Our holiness is a function of our intimacy with God. Our holy communion requires knowledge and understanding, perseverence, continuous effort and a complete surrender to Our Holy Lord. If we want this degree of intimacy with Jesus, He will surely enter our hearts, teach us His ways, show us His righteous paths and fill us with His Spirit and nourish us with His Body and Blood.

Remember Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

But holiness doesn’t just happen because we desire it. “Desire without knowledge is not good– how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” Proverbs 19:2 If we aspire to be holy, we must understand the will of God by studying His Holy Word through the Scriptures.

We need to know not only that God’s commandment is to love, but that Jesus wants us to love even our enemies. Now you may be thinking, you don’t have enemies, but if we aspire to have a communion with God that is complete then God’s enemies are our enemies. Anyone who is breaking God’s commandments ceases to be His friend. “You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14

God instructs us to pray for the many souls that are persecuting Him by breaking His commandment of love: “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:2

God instructs us to love our neighbor as ourselves: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

So if we aspire to be holy then we must pray for the many souls that need to be reconciled to Jesus.

Do you aspire to be holy?

If your answer is “no” and you love God, then the question is “why not”. Society teaches us to have fun, enjoy ourselves, pursue pleasure not purpose. That’s not sacred teaching, it is the world’s careless way. If we love God, truly, then we need to allow Him to help us live holy lives, lives dedicated to pleasing Him and giving Him glory.

Do you think it’s possible for humans to be holy?

I think it’s possible for humans to strive to be holy. Will we be perfect in every moment? Probably not.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24

Jesus will wash away our sins if we confess our sins and strive to amend our lives. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Let us pray:

Holy Lord, you are the fount of all holiness! I am sorry for my sins and I want to surrender to Your Holy Will. Help me to understand the plan You have for me. Live in me and work through me. Give me Your grace so that I can honour You and give You glory. I need You! I trust You! I know that alone I cannot do anything, but with Your grace all things are possible. Thy will be done Lord! Not my will, but thy will be done! I want to please You. I forgive all those who have hurt me and I ask for Your forgiveness. Purify me and help me to be united with You in a communion that is holy and everlasting. I love You so much Lord!