The Hebrew word translated “holy” means:”that which is set apart and marked off, that which is different and wholly other” Our English word “holy” comes from the old english word meaning “to be whole to be healthy.” What health and wholeness are to the body , holiness is to the inner person.
Because the Israelites were a holy people, they were not to imitate the wicked practices of their neighbors, such as cutting their bodies or shaving their foreheads, in mourning (Duet 14:1)-(1 kings 18:28/Jer 16:6/Jer 41:5) This reminds us of Romans 12:2″Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think”.
The local church is a holy temple (1 Cor 3:17) and a holy priesthood (1 peter 2:5) and therefore believers should separate themselves from the defilement of the world and seek to perfect holiness in the fear of God (2 cor 6:14-17) God’s people are to be separated from sin and separated to Him. We are to be set apart or marked off, totally other so that we can advertise/glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in our every day lives. We must be virtuous. .
“Be ye Holy for I am Holy” is repeated several times by our Lord in scripture. How is sanctification/holiness in your life? “How are you doing?– let a man examine himself.”
The things we say and do , our thoughts and the things we view, should be drastically different from those around us. Frankly a lot of people, who claim to be regenerate look like the degenerate. Love for the Lord and not for this world, along with the Holy Spirit’s direction should be our guide. Time in the word and prayer will aid in our being in, but not of this world. There should be a refreshing difference… 1″Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer 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. (Romans 12:1-2)NIV— Please think about it— and Pray about it— and let the Holy Spirit guide you.
