Called to Holiness

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NKJV) –“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore, he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.”

The call to holiness is easy to ignore in a world that teaches standards contradictory to the Word of God. Such was the situation in the Roman empire during Paul’s time. The culture was marked with promiscuity, lust, and immorality. In his letter, Paul urged the believing body in Thessalonia to be set apart for the Lord and live a life that is well-pleasing to Him.

God’s will for all of us is sanctification. To be made holy. And it’s not as difficult as it sounds. The Holy Spirit – who is right now on the earth – works in us, conforming us into the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). God desires that we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. And to reject all forms of impure behaviour.

Satan tries to convince us to compare our lifestyle with those around us. He deludes us into devaluing our sins in comparison to others. But that’s where the grace of God comes in. His grace is our strength in maintaining a pure heart, mind, soul – and body.

Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? You need to guard that temple with your life if you want the Spirit of God to reside. When you were born again and received the Holy Spirit – you were cleansed and saved by grace. Ignoring – or watering down – the Spirit’s call for holiness is rejecting God.

So, from today, let’s be passionate about holiness in our lives. It is what God wants – and it is what we should seek.