The Measure of Holiness

Consistency is one among several basic things that the younger generation is looking for and it has to start from the home. When parents want their children to do one thing but they themselves do not portray it in their lives, it causes them to be confused.

I am sure that you’ve heard of the following quotes: “Monkey see, monkey do.” “Your action is too loud, I can’t hear you.” “Learning is more caught than taught.” These quotes are in layman’s terms. Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (Jn.13:15) The Apostle Paul says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” These are words all of us Christians must ponder and apply in our daily lives – as parents, leaders, or individuals.

Several weeks ago, we had a Purity Covenant at church and our youth made a pledge to their parents and God to guard their hearts and purity until the day they walk down the aisle in holy matrimony. Parents gave their children a token in the form of a ring, bracelet, or necklace as they prayed for them. It was a beautiful ceremony. The bottom line is that God wants all of us to live a holy life, not just the youth.

Holiness in the Scriptures is not measured by the outwardly things – by what you wear or what you eat. You can dress in the most conservative outfit but your heart can still be full of lust. You can smile on the outside but have hatred within you. You may say you forgive the person who hurt you but still keep bitterness in your heart. A husband and wife may look romantic on the outside but quarrel everyday at home. In the last ten years, we’ve also seen priests, preachers, and clergy who looked good on the outside but were then exposed in various scandals, sexual sins, or have a problem with integrity issues.

Holiness is what’s on the inside — the attitude of the heart. Holiness is godly living while still in the world, daily walking out the will of God, and not using our own strength but the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

The measure of holiness is not how much you withdraw from the world and stay in church all the time. True holiness is measured by how much you obey God and how you live out there in the world from Monday through Saturday and not just when you go to church on Sunday.

The God who sets us apart also tells us to go into a sinful and fallen world. While we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us. As Christians, we are Christ’s ambassadors and we are to represent Him while we are still on this earth. It doesn’t mean that we behave “holier-than-thou,” but through Christ, we become salt and light to this world. Salt brings healing and light gives hope. This is who we are. (see Mt.5:13-16)