Holy With and Like Him
Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 1:13-16
It is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:16
A wise person once said, “You live in the presence of God; act accordingly.” Those words capture the essence of God’s will: to be holy in everything we do. Unlike a life driven by endless do’s and don’ts, a holy life is both a gift and a goal.
The Bible tells us much about God’s holiness. The Bible praises God’s infinite holiness and celebrates his steadfast love and care, making clear that we owe the Lord all praise and honor. God’s holiness sets us apart from him and exposes our sin. But the Father has given us Jesus, his Son, to set us free from our guilt. God’s gift to us is a holiness we receive through faith in the Savior. Set apart by God for his service, we become “eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14).
Our goal then becomes holiness, like that of our heavenly Father. God’s gift becomes our passion. The psalmist asks, “How can those who are young keep their way pure?” And God’s child willingly answers, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:9-11).
God’s great love invites us to live in his holy presence. We show our love by joyfully embracing a life lived before God’s face.
Is this the wisdom of your life?
Father, thank you for the privilege to live in your presence. Make your holiness my passion and purpose. May I faithfully imitate your character. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Calvin Hoogendoorn
Rev. Calvin Hoogendoorn serves as senior pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Previously he served two churches in Illinois. He and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
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