"For you are a people Holy to God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples from the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." Deuteronomy 7:6
So what does it mean to be holy?
Disclaimer #1 Ok.... I know I'm a pastor and I'm not supposed to answer those kinds of questions. You know the questions that no one is asking... but if you're out there reading this you are no ordinary audience!
Disclaimer #2 I'm not sure I have a perfect answer to the question but because blogs are more like a conversation than an academic exercise I think we will both be fine. So if you're looking for a definitive answer there are some wonderful sources and dictionaries.
Well without getting into the whole discussion if Israel continues to be God's holy people or not, I want to remind us that the New Testament also has something to say about being holy. 1 Peter 1:15,16 says, "But as he which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be you holy; for I am holy."
Like it or not we are called to be the body of Christ and because Christ is holy we should be holy as well.
In brief let me point out three words or thoughts I have which help me to understand what it is to be God's holy people today.
1. Holy people are called. If you read yesterdays blog you'll remember that we are called by God because God loves us and not because we are the best. Actually I think everyone in the world is called but by God's grace we have accepted the call.
2. Holy people are set apart or set aside. On one level you might think of the practice of setting aside the fine china to be used for special occasions. In a similar way we are set aside for a special purpose.
3. Holy people strive to live a righteous life. Now this does not mean that we are better than others. No we are just called and set aside for a special purpose to give glory and honor to Christ. Actually if we have any hope of acting like holy people it will only be due to the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. Indeed only God is truly good.
As we live the righteous life we aren't putting ourselves in a place of honor. We aren't being snobs. You know the sayings about being "Self righteous" or "Holier than thou" Rather as we do our good works before all people God receives the praise. See Matthew 5:16 it says, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
To Ponder: I like to think about life this way. We are called and set aside to be like spotlights shining our light upon Jesus. The clearer and more precisely I aim my light and my life, the better people will be able to see a glimpse of God's full glory. Indeed salvation comes to people as they see Jesus and receive Him. We can't cause someone to take the step of faith but we can shine the light on Jesus!
So remember you are the Holy light of the world! Let your light shine because the world out there is a pretty dark place and we have an awesome God who deserve the spotlight!
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