A Call To Be Set Apart

March 17th, 2025
by Pastor Jody Burkeen

"But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your conduct; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’" – 1 Peter 1:15-16 (LSB)

A Call to Holiness
Recently, my wife and I had a late-night conversation about holiness with another couple. We wrestled with the meaning of holiness—not just as a theological concept but as something practical that should shape our everyday lives. We asked questions like: What does it mean to be holy in a world that normalizes sin? How does holiness translate to the modern church, where grace is often over-emphasized, but personal sanctification is overlooked? It was a challenging discussion, one that left us searching for clarity. As I lay in bed last night, the weight of the conversation lingered, and when I woke up this morning, holiness was still on my heart. I couldn’t shake it—I needed to dig deeper and seek what God had to say about it.

Here is what I discovered: Holiness is not just about moral purity; it is about being set apart for God. It is a calling, a lifestyle, and an ongoing transformation. It is not a burden but a privilege—to reflect the very nature of God in a broken world. As I searched Scripture, I realized that holiness is not something we achieve on our own, but something God produces in us as we yield to Him. It is about surrender, obedience, and walking in step with the Spirit. And as I reflected on the conversation from the night before, I saw how holiness is not just a personal pursuit—it is essential for the church. If we, as believers, fail to pursue holiness, we become indistinguishable from the world. But when we take the call to holiness seriously, we shine as a light in the darkness, drawing others to Christ.

Holiness is not an option for the believer—it is a command. Peter, quoting from Leviticus 11:44, reminds us that our pursuit of holiness is rooted in the very character of God. If we claim to follow Christ, we must reflect His nature. Holiness is not about perfection in our own strength, but about surrendering to God’s transformative work in our lives.

Many Christians struggle with the idea of holiness, believing it to be an unattainable goal. The world has watered down holiness to mean little more than being a “good person,” but Scripture presents it as something far greater—it is being set apart, consecrated for God’s purposes. Holiness is the evidence of a changed heart and a life that is truly yielded to Christ. It is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. As we walk in obedience, resist sin, and cultivate godly character, we grow in holiness, not by our power but by the Spirit’s work in us.

What Does Holiness Look Like?

Separation from Sin

Being holy means being set apart from sin and the world’s corrupt influences. This does not mean isolation, but a distinctiveness in how we live, think, and act. We must actively reject what dishonors God and pursue what pleases Him (Romans 12:1-2).

Obedience to God’s Word

Holiness is demonstrated through obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). A holy life is one that aligns with Scripture, not culture. The more we saturate our minds with God’s Word, the more we are conformed to His will.

Purity in Thought and Action

Holiness starts in the heart. Jesus taught that sin begins internally (Matthew 5:27-28). If we want to live holy lives, we must guard our thoughts, our speech, and our desires. Philippians 4:8 tells us to dwell on things that are pure and honorable.

Love and Righteousness in Relationships

Holiness is not just about personal purity; it affects how we treat others. A holy life is marked by love, grace, and integrity. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind, forgiving one another as Christ forgave us.

Daily Repentance and Growth

Pursuing holiness is not about achieving a sinless life on this side of eternity, but about walking in continual repentance and sanctification. As the Spirit convicts us, we must confess, turn away from sin, and seek to grow in Christlikeness (1 John 1:9).

Why Does Holiness Matter?

It Reflects God’s Nature

Holiness is not simply a personal moral standard—it is a reflection of God’s very character. When Peter commands us to “be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16), he is pointing us back to the fundamental truth that we were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and are called to reflect Him in the world. As believers, we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing Him wherever we go. This means that the way we live, the choices we make, and the values we uphold should visibly display God’s righteousness and purity. The world may never pick up a Bible, but they will read our lives. If we claim to follow a holy God, yet live no differently from the world, our testimony loses credibility. But when we live in holiness, we bear witness to the reality of God’s transforming power.

It Strengthens Our Witness

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Holiness is not just a private matter; it is meant to be seen. A holy life—one marked by integrity, love, and righteousness—stands out in a dark world. People are drawn to genuine transformation.

Seeing believers walking in purity, resisting temptation, and loving selflessly points them to Christ. Conversely, when Christians live in hypocrisy, indulging in the same sins as the world, they turn people away from Jesus rather than toward Him. Our personal pursuit of holiness strengthens our ability to be an effective witness, showing that Christ is real and that He changes lives.

It Deepens Our Relationship with God

Jesus declared in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Holiness is not just about external behavior—it is about the condition of the heart. Sin creates a barrier between us and God (Isaiah 59:2), while holiness draws us closer to Him.

The more we surrender to His refining work, the more we experience His presence, guidance, and power. Many believers struggle with spiritual dryness because they are unwilling to forsake sin. But when we choose holiness, we open ourselves to a deeper, more intimate walk with God. A pure heart is a receptive heart—one that hears His voice, responds to His leading, and delights in His presence. Pursuing holiness is ultimately about knowing God more fully and enjoying deeper fellowship with Him.

Holiness is a lifelong pursuit, but it is worth it. We cannot be holy by our own strength but by abiding in Christ and yielding to the Spirit. Let us answer the call of 1 Peter 1:15-16 by striving daily to reflect the holiness of our God.

In love,

Pastor Jody