> Living a holy life in an unholy world can often feel like trying to swim upstream in a powerful current. The world around us is filled with temptations and influences that seek to pull us away from our commitment to Godly living. Despite these challenges, we are called to be different, to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God rather than those of the world.
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God’s Command to Live Holy Lives
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians 6:17 as part of his broader exhortation to the Corinthian church to live in holiness and separation from practices and influences that were contrary to their faith in Jesus Christ. The verse, which reads, “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you,'” is a quotation from the Old Testament, specifically drawing from passages like Isaiah 52:11 and Ezekiel 20:34, 41.
Paul’s intention in quoting this was likely to encourage the Corinthians to maintain a distinct Christian identity, resisting the temptations and behaviors prevalent in their surrounding pagan culture. In the context of 2 Corinthians 6, Paul addresses various issues related to relationships with unbelievers, including the risks of being influenced or corrupted by non-Christian practices.
By invoking Old Testament imagery of purification and holiness, Paul was reinforcing the message that Christians are called to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes. This separation wasn’t just a physical or social one but also spiritual, urging believers to avoid actions and associations that could compromise their commitment to Christ.
Therefore, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians 6:17 to call for a lifestyle that reflects the sanctity and distinctiveness of God’s people, encouraging the Corinthians to avoid influences that could lead them away from their faith and commitment to God.
Following the Way to Holiness
– Holiness Begins with Christ
“Holiness is not the way to Christ, but Christ is the way to holiness.”
Charles Spurgeon
This quote by Charles Spurgeon highlights that our journey toward holiness starts with a relationship with Christ. It’s not about our efforts to become holy by human means but about allowing Christ to transform us from within.
– We are Made Holy by the Renewing of the Mind
In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul’s message in this verse is multifaceted and deeply spiritual:
- Non-Conformity to the World: Paul urges believers not to conform to the behaviors, values, and patterns of the secular world. This involves distancing oneself from worldly practices and mindsets that are contrary to godly living.
- Transformation and Renewal: Instead of conforming, believers are called to undergo a transformation. This transformation happens through the renewal of the mind, which suggests a fundamental change in how one thinks and perceives life. This renewal is a continuous process, often involving spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.
- Discernment of God’s Will: Through the process of renewing the mind, Christians are better equipped to understand and discern God’s will. Paul highlights that God’s will is “good, pleasing, and perfect,” meaning it aligns with God’s perfect plan and purposes for His people.
Essentially, Paul encourages believers to undertake an inner transformation that will enable them to live in accordance with God’s will, rather than simply following the prevailing trends and behaviors of the world around them. This transformation leads to discerning and living out God’s desires and purposes, which is ultimately beneficial and fulfilling.
“We cannot afford to let down our Christian standards just to hold the interest of people who want to go to hell and still belong to a church.”
A.W. Tozer
A.W. Tozer reminds us that being lukewarm in our faith or compromising our values to fit in with the world is a grave danger. Our standards should reflect God’s holiness rather than the world’s brokenness.
The Promise to Those who are Pure in Heart
Matthew 5:8 states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This verse is part of the Beatitudes, which are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. The promise here can encourage us in several profound ways:
- Incentive for Purity: Knowing that purity of heart leads to the ultimate reward of seeing God can be a strong motivation. This encourages us to strive for inner purity in our thoughts, desires, and actions, understanding that it brings us closer to a deeper relationship with God.
- Hope and Assurance: This promise assures believers that their efforts to maintain a pure heart are not in vain. It provides hope that despite the challenges and temptations of life, there is a divine reward waiting for those who sincerely seek to live righteously.
- Promotion of Integrity: The verse emphasizes the importance of sincerity and integrity. It encourages us to be genuine in our faith and actions, rather than merely outwardly conforming to religious norms. Authenticity in our relationship with God is what leads to the blessed vision of Him.
- Comfort and Peace: In times of trouble or moral dilemma, this promise brings comfort. It reassures us that God values our inner purity and that maintaining it, even when it is difficult, will ultimately lead to eternal, divine communion.
- Focus on the Eternal: It helps to shift our focus from temporary, worldly pleasures and accomplishments to eternal spiritual realities. Understanding that seeing God is the ultimate goal can help us prioritize our spiritual health and growth over fleeting worldly gains.
- Inspiration for Holiness: This encouragement fosters a greater desire for personal holiness. It reminds us that God’s presence and revelation are linked to our spiritual condition. Striving for a pure heart becomes a form of worship and preparation for an eternal encounter with God.
In summary, the promise in Matthew 5:8 can encourage us by providing a clear, hopeful vision of the spiritual rewards of purity, instilling motivation and comfort, and encouraging us to live with integrity and focus on eternal fellowship with God.
Invoke God to Help You
It is God’s will that His people become holy, and God’s promise in 1 John 5:14-15 is that if you sincerely pray according to His will, he will hear you and you will have what you asked of Him. Here is a suggested prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for calling us to a life of holiness in a world that often opposes Your ways. Help us to abide in You daily, transforming our minds and hearts to reflect Your love and purity. Give us the strength to stand firm in our faith and to shine Your light in the darkness. Surround us with a community that encourages us and holds us accountable. May our lives be a testament to Your amazing grace and a beacon that draws others to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
