Therefore,
with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be
brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient
children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in
ignorance. 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.”
Holiness
means to be purified and set apart for God’s service. Holiness is all holy, 100%. Nothing can be 99% holy. If so, it’s not holy because sin has
contaminated it even in the slightest bit.
We are
sinful creatures living on a sinful earth, but Jesus showed us that we can live
holy in this environment. It’s possible. Yes, we will be bombarded with temptations
left and right, but we don’t have to choose to sin.
While the
possibility of complete holiness is never likely on this earth, the goal is
worthy. We should fight every day to be
sanctified and purified by making the right choices.
God saved
us from 100% of our sins. In his eyes,
we are worthy to be called part of his family and he only accepts holiness in
His presence.
Legally, according to God’s
records, you are holy.
Personally, according to your daily
actions, you are not. But you can make better, more holy choices. So start acting in the way God already sees
you as—holy.