What promises? Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 7:14-18 ESV

Holiness has been a running thread in my mind this week. Years ago, as a new Christian, I joined a holiness church, and then when I moved, I joined another holiness church. As a Bible enthusiast, it all made sense. First, it was a command. You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. Leviticus 20:26 The King James Verse is probably more familiar, be ye holy as I am holy…

As a learning Christian striving to conform to the image of Christ as commanded, I sometimes got the inference, if not a direct accusation, that I was acting like I was holier than thou, a goody two shoes, arrogant to think I was so much better than someone else. But the Holy Word of God, my guideline for life, told me But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

The key word for me then and now is conduct. How I act is as important as what I think. The difficulty is that non-Christians, or even young believers, don’t know the Word well enough yet to understand what is expected of us. God’s definitions are often very different from man’s worldview-influenced definitions. The Bible verse on studying to show yourself approved is an excellent to help you stand firm as you grow. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version

We can count on the Lord’s promises, but we must know them first. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:23

The Lord tarries because He wants mankind to choose to follow Him. To live holy, showing the world the Truth. Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:9

What then is true practical holiness? Here are 12 characteristics of persons who strive after holiness:

1. Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God.

2. A holy man will endeavor to shun every known sin and to keep every known commandment.

3.  A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. A holy man will follow after meekness, patience, gentleness, patience, kind tempers, government of his tongue.

5. A holy man will follow after temperance and self–denial. 

6. A holy man will follow after charity and brotherly kindness.

7. A holy man will follow after a spirit of mercy and benevolence towards others.

8. A holy man will follow after purity of heart.

9. A holy man will follow after the fear of God.

10. A holy man will follow after humility.

11. A holy man will follow after faithfulness in all the duties and relations in life.

12. Last, but not least, a holy man will follow after spiritual–mindedness.

R.C. Ryle, author

And no, I’m nowhere where I need to be. But I keep striving because God has promised that I will find Him if I seek Him with all my heart. It’s a lifelong learning experience, a road I am blessed to travel. And a highway shall be there,and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way;even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. – Isaiah 35:8

Thank you for taking time with me as I continue my journey. Bless you, my friends! – Vicki