To be holy is to only do God’s will. We grow in holiness as we submit to God’s will in the little things of our lives. Luke 16:10 (NLT), “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones…”
So one step at a time, we daily learn to deny our own wills. Romans 6:19 (NIV), “…Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.”
We study the Bible and learn what God’s will is in the little choices of life. Ephesians 4:22-24 (NKJV), 22 “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
As we progress, our understanding of God’s will becomes clearer and we habitually seek to live in loving holiness. Our characters will be transformed into Christ-likeness. Romans 12:2 (NIV), “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This will lead to greater separation from the world. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV), “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” We will not seek unrighteous entertainment, use coarse language, or crave earthly pleasures. We will delight to serve God and to serve others. We will be gentle, gracious, and loving in our ways. Colossians 1:10 (NKJV), “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”.
Finally, have faith that God is and will continue to help you. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. … 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. … 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,” 2 Peter 1:3, 5-7, 10 (NIV)
Additional Resource: Christian Questions Podcast Episode 1059: “You’re a Christian, But Are You Holy?” The meaning of holiness and of being set apart for God’s purpose Preview Video CQ Rewind Show Notes
