Pursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the Church

March 19th, 2025
by Jody Burkeen

After wrestling with the concept of holiness in the previous blog, I am now wrestling with what holiness looks like in action. If holiness is being set apart for God, how does that practically shape how we live as individuals? And what does it mean for the church as a whole? It’s one thing to talk about holiness but another to live it. Being a good person doesn't cut it; being a godly one does!

Holiness in the Life of a Believer
For the individual, holiness begins with a mindset shift. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means we don’t measure our lives by worldly standards but by God’s. Holiness is an intentional pursuit—a daily choice to align our thoughts, desires, and actions with the will of God.

Holiness in Our Thoughts – What we dwell on shapes who we become. Philippians 4:8 calls us to think about what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Are we filling our minds with God’s truth, or are we allowing culture, media, and worldly influences to shape us?

Holiness in Our Speech – James 3:10 reminds us that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth. Do our words reflect Christ? Are we speaking life, encouragement, and truth, or do we blend in with gossip, negativity, and crudeness?

Holiness in Our Actions – Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Holiness is lived out in obedience. It’s choosing honesty over deception, purity over lust, generosity over greed, and love over selfishness.

Holiness in Our Relationships – We are called to love, serve, and forgive as Christ has done for us (Ephesians 4:32). Do grace and truth mark our relationships, or do we hold grudges, act selfishly, and conform to worldly patterns?

Holiness in Our Private Life – True holiness isn’t just about public appearance; it’s about who we are when no one is watching. What we do in secret—what we watch, listen to, and entertain in our hearts—matters to God. Walking in holiness means striving for integrity even when it’s inconvenient.

Holiness is not about perfection but about pursuit. We won’t get it right every time, but as we walk in repentance and surrender, the Spirit refines us, making us more like Christ.

Holiness in the Church
The church is meant to be a reflection of Christ’s holiness to the world. Yet, too often, we settle for comfort and cultural relevance rather than biblical faithfulness. If we truly want to be the bride of Christ, set apart for His glory, holiness must be at the center of our identity.

Preaching Truth Over Popular Opinion – A holy church stands on God’s Word, even when it’s unpopular. Many churches have watered down the gospel to be more inclusive, but true holiness does not compromise truth. Instead, it speaks truth in love, calling people to repentance and transformation (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Corporate Repentance and Accountability – The early church was marked by confession, prayer, and accountability (James 5:16). A holy church doesn’t tolerate sin within its walls but lovingly calls its members to repentance and restoration. Holiness means holding one another to God’s standard, not in judgment, but in love.

Worship That Honors God – True worship is not about entertainment; it’s about encountering God. A holy church prioritizes reverence, awe, and adoration over performance. Worship should lead us to repentance, gratitude, and a deeper hunger for God’s presence (John 4:24).

A Distinctive Lifestyle – The church should look different from the world. This doesn’t mean isolation, but it does mean we are called to stand out. Our love, unity, generosity, and purity should set us apart. Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Holiness is evident when a church genuinely loves, serves, and lives out the gospel.

A Commitment to Discipleship – A holy church doesn’t just make converts; it makes disciples. Holiness is cultivated through teaching, mentoring, and spiritual growth. Are we training believers to walk in holiness, or are we satisfied with shallow Christianity? A church serious about holiness invests in discipleship that equips believers to mature in their faith (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Call to Holiness

Both individually and corporately, we are called to be holy as God is holy. This isn’t about legalism or outward appearances; it’s about being entirely devoted to Christ, allowing His Spirit to transform us, and living in a way that brings Him glory. The world needs to see a church that doesn’t just talk about holiness but lives it out boldly.

So the question remains: Are we pursuing holiness? Is our personal life set apart for God? Is our church a beacon of truth, purity, and love in a lost world?

Let’s not settle for casual Christianity. Let’s embrace the call to holiness—because when we do, we reflect God's beauty, power, and presence in a way that transforms lives. Remember, you are saved; now be sanctified!

In Love,

Pastor Jody