Living a holy life is a meaningful pursuit that many individuals aspire to. It is about aligning your thoughts, actions, and attitudes with God’s Word. While the concept of holiness might seem lofty, it is possible through faith in Jesus. He is the only one who can make us holy. Here are a few examples of how we can do this daily.
1. Cultivating a Heart of Compassion: Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Living a holy life starts with a heart of compassion. Acts of kindness and mercy toward others are integral to holiness. Engage in acts of charity, volunteerism, and help those in need. Practice forgiveness and extend grace to those who have wronged you. By doing so, you emulate the divine compassion God has for all His creation.
2. Pursuing Moral Integrity: 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “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.'”
Growing in moral integrity means to live a life consistent with your beliefs and values. Practice honesty, integrity, and purity in all your dealings. Make decisions based on what is right rather than what is expedient.
3. Practicing Gratitude and Contentment: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
A holy life involves recognizing and appreciating the blessings around you. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment. Focus on the present moment and find joy in simple pleasures. Avoid comparison and materialism, and remember that true happiness comes from contentment.
4. Guarding Your Mind and Speech: Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Holiness extends to your thought life and speech. Check your inner dialogue and replace negative thoughts with positive, uplifting ones. Refrain from gossip, slander, and coarse language. Instead, speak words that edify, encourage, and promote harmony.
5. Nurturing Spiritual Disciplines: Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Engage in regular spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, scripture reading, and fasting. These practices deepen your connection with God and provide guidance for righteous living. Meditate on God’s Word and allow it to shape your thoughts and actions.
6. Building Authentic Relationships: Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to holiness. Cultivate authentic relationships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability. Support one another in your journey toward living a holy life.
These are a few examples of what it looks like for followers of Jesus to exemplify holiness that comes through faith in Jesus. Living a holy life is a transformative journey that requires intentional effort and alignment with God’s word and His will for our lives. By cultivating compassion, pursuing moral integrity, practicing gratitude, guarding your mind and speech, nurturing spiritual disciplines, and building authentic relationships, you can embark on a path of holiness and sanctification. Remember, the pursuit of holiness is a lifelong endeavour, and with God’s grace and guidance, you can grow to become more like Him.