Be Ye Holy for I AM Holy

Be Ye Holy

for I AM Holy

A Reflective Journal by Michelle Jimerson

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I, the LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 19:2 King James Version

It would seem to be an easy request to be holy, after all, we are God’s children created in His image and God left us a guide to follow called the Holy Bible. God and Jesus left the Holy Spirit to help us, so what is the issue with Christians finding it hard to live holy lives? That is how I began this journey of finding out more about why Holy? Of course, my first stop was to investigate more into the different meanings of Holy. What is the definition of holy? Strong’s Concordance associates holy with being pure, blameless, religious, consecrated, sanctified, sacred, reverent, and undefiled. Used in a sentence a person would associate holy with a saint or one who lives a pious life. Some people picture an individual dressed in certain attire. Other picture a person living in secluded areas. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines holy as exalted or worthy of complete devotion or as one who is perfect in goodness and righteous. (“His Love Restores - His Love Restores”) The Free Dictionary defines holy as living or undertaken with highly moral or spiritual purpose. The truth lies in how you define holy.

My second stop was to see how holy was used in God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Why should scripture be used as an authority resource? Dr. Patrick Zukeran, D Min is the Director of Evidence and Answers Ministry. The ministry specializes in Christian apologetics, which is the defense of the Christian faith. On 08/30/2014, an article called “Authority of Scripture - A Strong Argument for Christianity” was published on the Probe For Answers website, https://www.probe.org/authority-of-the-bible-a-strong-argument-for-christianity/, accessed 9/23/2021. Dr Zukeran argues for the divine inspiration of the bible and Jesus’ affirmation of the authority of both the Old Testament and New Testament.

2 Timothy 3:13-17 (King James Version)

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Matthew 22:29 (KJV) {Jesus speaking to the Pharisees}

9 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. My next stop was more personal. I needed to be taught by the Holy Spirit how to transform into the Holy person that could lead a life of worship in spirit and truth before others.

Then the following questions flowed:

1. What does a holy life look like to for a believer?

2. Is to be holy possible in a world that contradicts biblical teachings?

3. Is there enough time left to obey God’s request to be holy?

4. Is it too late for individuals to transition to living a holy life?

5. How do we bridge the gap between what God wants and what we believe?

6. Why are Christian denominations not teaching classes on how to be holy?

7. How is living a holy life beneficial?

8. How does living Holy in the Old Testament differ from the 21st Century.

9. How much will living a holy life cost?

10. What resources are needed for this journey of becoming holy?

Fortunately, I found online numerous Christian authors who had already addressed these questions in their books. I will not be addressing these questions. The goal in this journal is for you to reflect upon how you feel about being holy. I have listed scriptures throughout the journal, but please feel free to explore the Word of God and list your own scriptures to support your thoughts.