(Lev) 20:7-8, 26 CJB “Therefore consecrate yourselves — you people must be holy, because I am Adonai your God. (RY: vii, LY: vi) Observe my regulations, and obey them; I am Adonai, who sets you apart to be holy. Rather, you people are to be holy for me; because I, Adonai, am holy; and I have set you apart from the other peoples, so that you can belong to me.”

The Church today does not struggle with access to God—it struggles with reverence for Him.

We sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” and rightly so. But somewhere along the way, friendship has replaced fear, and familiarity has weakened our pursuit of holiness. We have become casual with God—and as a result, casual with sin.

Yes, through Jesus Christ, we have been fully forgiven. His grace has freed us from the burden of earning righteousness. We are not striving to be holy in order to be accepted.

But don’t miss this—we are still commanded to be holy because we are accepted.

The call of Leviticus did not disappear at the cross; it was fulfilled and deepened. God still says to His people:

“You are Mine. Live like it.”

Holiness is not outdated—it is identity.

Set Apart for a Purpose

God did not save you merely to forgive you—He saved you to transform you.

“I have set you apart… so that you can belong to me.”

Holiness is about belonging. It is about living differently because you are different.

Christian man, your life is not your own. Your time, your thoughts, your habits, your priorities—these are now instruments of God’s purpose, pleasure, and praise.

You are not called to blend in.
You are called to stand out.

Why Holiness Matters to the World

The world does not need a more relatable church—it needs a more real one.

People will not come to Jesus as Savior until they see Him:

• As Servant — through your humility
• As Love — through your relationships
• As Truth — through your words and convictions

This is the mission of the Church: to live in such a way that people are drawn to the Head—Jesus Christ.

When we live holy lives, we put God on display.

And when God is seen clearly, He draws people to Himself.

Holiness Is the Path to Real Life

We have believed a lie—that obedience restricts life.

But Scripture teaches the opposite.

Obedience restores life.

Your true wealth is not financial—it is spiritual.
Your true health is not physical—it is relational with God.

• Joy comes from walking in salvation
• Peace comes from reconciliation with God
• Purpose comes from obedience to His commands

Jesus said His commands lead to life—and they do. Every time.

Holiness is not deprivation.
Holiness is restoration.

It restores you to God.
It restores you to others.
It restores you to the life you were created to live.

The Health of the Church Depends on Holiness

The Church is called the Body of Christ.

But a body is only healthy when its parts are functioning rightly.

If we are not pursuing holiness, the Church will not be healthy.

Programs won’t fix it.
Strategies won’t fix it.
Even growth won’t fix it.

Only holiness produces health.

Because holiness brings us back under the rule, presence, and power of God.

Run Today’s Play:

Consecrate yourself today.

• Identify one area where you’ve grown casual with sin
• Confess it honestly before God
• Replace it with obedience to a clear command of Christ
• Ask: “Does this choice reflect that I belong to God?”

Then act.

Not to earn God’s love—
but because you already have it.