But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

Holiness is not just a job description for ministers or a suggested alternative lifestyle. It is a command for all who assemble before the holy God. We are to be holy, for He is holy. To be something means it becomes a part of our essence or life force.

Holiness is not God’s asking us to be good; it is an invitation to be His. We bring forth sacrifices worthy of the king’s mercy: our praises and our lives. We no longer own our lives; He does. We were purchased at a great expense, and our praises are to declare His glory.

…Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy…to present her to himself as a radiant church…holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25–27 NIV

Notice that His blood purchased us for God, not for heaven. He redeems us to be His. We cannot redeem ourselves nor make ourselves holy. But by His grace we can make ourselves ready while He prepares a place for us.

We are God’s representatives and ambassadors on this earth. With this perspective, what does it mean to you to be chosen by God? Does it mean something more or different than what you believed? This week, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means to be truly His. When we possess this revelation, we will become a people who have truly been set apart!

*Adapted from Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry: Why Women Lose When They Give In (Thomas Nelson, 2002).