Word of the Week - Holy (Set apart for His purpose)
“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.” - 1 Peter 1:15–16
This weekend I attended the “Made for More” conference presented by Triumph of Hope Ministries. Best selling Author John Bevere spoke on Friday evening about Holiness and the reality that we can only expect God’s manifest presence and power in our lives if we walk in Holiness. Holiness is a requirement for God’s presence. It was a powerful message from his recent book Awe of God, that emphasizes the need for believers to have a healthy fear of God.
As I’ve reflected on what it means to live a holy life, I’ve been reminded that holiness isn’t about perfection—it’s about being set apart. To be holy means to live with a heart that is fully devoted to God and aligned with His purpose. In a world that constantly pulls us toward compromise, comfort, and conformity, God calls us to something higher—to live distinct, intentional, and surrendered lives that reflect His character. In the book of Titus, Chapter 1, Saint Paul talks about what a leader (elder/overseer) in the church should demonstrate in how they live. “He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Titus 1:8
When I look back over my 24-year journey with Jesus, I can see seasons where I tried to live for God but still wanted to keep control of certain areas of my life. As I mature in my walk with Jesus, I realize that the abundant life comes through full surrender. Holiness is about who we belong to and being fully committed to the Lord, and in our love and healthy fear of God living our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Father. When our hearts are set apart for God, our actions, attitudes, and leadership begin to reflect His nature in every area of our lives to include our marriage, family, business, ministry, recreation, and community.
Holiness means to be “set apart” for God’s use. It is the process of aligning our lives with His character and purposes so that everything we do reflects His nature. To be holy is to live differently because we belong to a different Kingdom. It’s not about self-righteousness—it’s about surrender. True holiness flows from intimacy with God, not religious effort.
Principles of a Holy Life
Be Set Apart for God’s Purpose
Holiness begins with belonging. When we understand that our lives, time, and resources are not our own but His, it changes how we live. Like utensils set apart for a special use, God calls us to be vessels that honor Him. To be set apart we need to remember that even though we live in the world we are not of the world. As followers of Christ and especially leaders set apart for His special purpose; our lives and how we live (our behavior) should look very different then those around us who are not walking with Jesus. “Those who cleanse themselves… will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)Pursue Purity of Heart and Mind
Holiness starts on the inside. It’s about cultivating integrity, humility, and purity in our thoughts, motives, and desires. The more time we spend with God, the more His Spirit refines and transforms us. The goal is not perfection but progress—a daily choice to let Him purify our hearts. What we allow into our hearts and minds impacts our purity. We must guard our hearts and minds from the pollution of this world, especially what we consume through our eyes and ears in the media!
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)Live Distinctly in the World but Not of It
God calls us to stand out, not to blend in. Holiness is countercultural—it’s living by Kingdom values in a world driven by self-interest. We are called to be light in darkness and truth in confusion. Our holiness is meant to influence, not isolate. This can only be accomplished by connecting to the vine of Christ daily so we are transformed from the inside out into the likeness of Jesus.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Jesus modeled holiness perfectly—not through distance or judgment, but through love and obedience. He was both approachable and pure, full of grace and truth. The more we abide in Him, the more we reflect His holiness. Holiness is not about separating ourselves from the world—it’s about being set apart for God so that the world sees Him through us. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lod Almighty; the whole earth is full of His Glory” Isaiah 6:3
Challenge Question:
What area of your life is God asking you to set apart for His purpose—to make holy and fully devoted to Him this week? What specific thing in your life do you need to fully surrender to God and sacrifice. What is your Isaac?
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for calling us to live holy and set-apart lives. Help us to walk in purity, integrity, and full devotion to You. Refine our hearts, renew our minds, and make us vessels useful for Your purpose. May our lives reflect Your holiness in how we live, love, and lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As we walk in Holiness this week, I pray we experience the manifest presence and power of God in our lives for His Glory!!!