We often see surveys that ask people if they are happy, satisfied with their work, or enjoying life. But I've never seen an opinion poll that asked, "Are you holy?" How would you answer that question One Bible dictionary defines holiness as "separation to God and conduct fitting for those separated". Author Frederick Buechner said that when writing about a person's character, "nothing is harder to make real than holiness". He adds that "holiness is not a human quality at all, like virtue. Holiness is. . . not something that people do, but something that God does in them".
Romans 6 presents the stunning gift that God gives us through faith in Christ: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (v. 4). The pursuit of holiness occurs daily as we yield ourselves in obedience to the Lord instead of following our old ways of self-gratification. "Now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life" (v. 22).
Are you becoming more holy? By God's grace and power, the answer can be a resounding "Yes! More and more each day". The choice to pursue holiness is a matter of life or death. Be holy, 'cause He is holy.
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