Reading: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”—1 Peter 1:15–16

Daily DevotionalsHoliness is at the heart of the Christian experience. It is a lifelong and daily pursuit. Some Christians major on the big picture, how to find the correct path or know the will of God. Others focus on the details of each day and get weighed down with their own consistencies, failures and consequent regrets. Overwhelmed with discouragement and wearied with the legalism many leave off the pursuit of holiness because they misunderstand it.

The command to be holy, however, is not onerous; consider it more as an invitation to a rich and rewarding experience with God. Observe that personal holiness does not stand apart from God—Peter says: “Be ye holy … as he

[God] that hath called you is holy.”

To be holy, then, I must look to God through His Son Jesus Christ—I cannot be anything apart from Him. Only when I have been united to a holy God through Christ can I obey the command “be ye holy.” I cannot be holy if I do not know Him for holiness is from Him. And if I am not holy I cannot be happy for happiness is in holiness.

(Devotional by Rev. Paul Thompson, N. Ireland)