When God created the world and humans, we had a holy and pure relationship with God until man disobeyed God and fell short of His glory. Sin entered the world, and as a result, the relationship that we had with God was broken and we wandered away from God.
Even after we disobeyed, He never left us but made a way to restore the relationship that was broken by our sin, through the precious sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Now, everyone who believes in Jesus can call God Father and Abba, because now we are not slaves, but sons and daughters of God, because Jesus paid the penalty on the cross for our transgressions. (Romans 8:15).
Now that we are His children, we should walk like children of God (Ephesians 5:8). There are many things that we need to do as children of God, but the most important is staying holy.
I know so many Christians know that they should be holy but don’t know how to do that. It seems too impossible to live a holy life these days because we are surrounded by so many things that can easily defile us.
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It’s always been a difficult task for all humans, not just this generation. Israelites in the Old Testament struggled a lot to live a holy life that would please God. They didn’t have phones, iPad, the internet, pornography on screens, or the things that we think play roles to make us unholy these days, and still, they sinned and made themselves unholy.
So, I think it’s not the things that we are surrounded with but it’s the Devil who plays an evil role in our lives. We need to stop blaming everything and work on how we can control ourselves. The Devil fools us to think that it’s impossible to live a holy life in this internet and screen world.
Once again, I say it’s not that super easy to live a holy life, but I also say it’s not completely impossible. Look, everything starts with a strong and passionate decision. You need to be very serious about this decision. God wants to help you in every area, with His help, everything is possible (Matthew 19: 26).
Many people in the world lived a God-pleasing life. It’s possible to live a holy life. People did it in the Old days and people pleased God with their good life these days too.
Meaning of being Holy?
To be holy means to be set apart for Godly purposes or separate from sin and evil. You need to study how Jesus lived His HOLY life on earth.
Remember, we don’t try to live a holy life so that we can earn salvation; Holiness is not a path to salvation as some may assume. We want to be holy because our God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Salvation comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, not from human works and good deeds.
Why should we be holy?
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14).
God is holy and completely separate from everything that is evil. We cannot see Him if we are unholy. It’s very crucial for children of God to be holy.
Sometimes, if you fail to be holy, then your first response must be to confess the sin to God and walk with God again (1 John 1:9). God will not leave you if you fail. Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
How can we stay Holy?
1. The Word of God.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11
David was a man like one of us, but still, in the Bible, David is called “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), the reason behind that is His faith and love for God.
He was not a perfect man because he sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and killing her husband (2 Samuel 11-12). When he realized that he sinned against God, he sought God’s forgiveness and he was forgiven. After that, he lived a holy life because the Bible says he didn’t have sexual relations with a virgin who was warming him in his old age (1 Kings 1:4).
I think the reason behind the change in David’s life is the word of God and his love toward God. You need to equip yourself with the word of God. It is a sword that we can use against the enemy’s every strategy.
Jesus defeated Satan with the word of God, and so must we. It’s a weapon that is the most powerful to break Satan’s plans. Memorize Bible verses, read them and study them.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9).
2. With the help of the Holy Spirit.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” (John 14:26).
The Holy Spirit is the one who can transform our lives and help us to stay holy. We cannot do it by ourselves. He is the helper who can mold our lives into the character of God.
3. Healthy Boundaries.
“Bad company corrupts good character.”
(1 Corinthians 15:33).
It’s very essential to think twice about how you are living your life. You need to choose your friends wisely. If you associate with an alcoholic, you will become an alcoholic eventually.
Have godly friends whom you could worship God with and pray with. Now, I am not saying completely ignore unbelievers, but make some healthy boundaries with unbelievers which will help you stay on the path of holiness.
Jesus influenced other people with His righteousness. He didn’t get influenced by others. You do the same.
Put some boundaries to everything that leads to unholiness. It could be limiting social media, Netflix, TV, etc.
You can read my blog on how social media is destroying the relationship with God.
Conclusion
When we live according to Him in His holiness, God is with us in a personal and powerful way. He helps us to live the life that He always wants us to live.