Head in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring Holiness

In today’s world, it’s easy to play the spiritual ostrich—burying our heads in the sand when it comes to living a life of holiness and righteousness. We tell ourselves things like, “God knows my heart,” “Nobody’s perfect,” or “At least I’m not as bad as that guy.” We downplay sin, excuse compromise, and ignore the call to pursue godliness. But here’s the truth: God never called us to be comfortable—He called us to be holy.

1. Avoiding Holiness Is Dangerous
When we choose to ignore the pursuit of holiness, we’re not just being passive—we're being disobedient. Hebrews 12:14 (LSB) commands us:

“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.”

Let that sink in. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. That’s not a suggestion—it’s a warning. To bury our heads and pretend like our lifestyle doesn’t matter is to risk spiritual blindness and separation from God.

2. Compromise Creeps in Slowly
Satan doesn't need you to worship him—he just wants you to stop taking God seriously. The enemy loves when believers get lazy, distracted, and indifferent. When we choose apathy over action, compromise begins to feel normal. Before long, what used to convict you no longer stirs your heart. What used to be unthinkable becomes routine. That’s the slow death of holiness.

C.S. Lewis put it this way in The Screwtape Letters:

“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”

That quote hits hard because it’s true. The most dangerous drift is the one you don’t notice. One little compromise. One ignored conviction. One rationalized sin. Before you know it, you’re far from where you used to be, and you wonder how you got there.

Romans 13:12 (LSB) says:

“The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

You can’t #armorup while you’re buried in the sand. You’ve got to stand up, wake up, and dress for battle.

3. Holiness Is Not Legalism—It’s Love
Let’s be clear: pursuing holiness isn’t about being religious or self-righteous—it’s about loving God. Jesus said in John 14:15 (LSB),

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

Living a holy life isn’t about impressing people; it’s about honoring the One who gave His life for you. Holiness isn’t a burden—it’s a response to grace. God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking for pursuit. The pursuit of holiness is a reflection of a heart fully surrendered to Jesus. Pursuit>Perfection

4. The Church Needs Holy Men and Women
We are called to be salt and light—not sugar and fog. The Church doesn’t need more entertainers, influencers, or passive spectators. It needs men and women who will man up and stand up—who will walk in righteousness, resist sin, and live set apart for God.

Ephesians 5:11 (LSB) says:

“And do not participate in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead even expose them.”

How can we expose darkness if we’re hiding in it? We’re called to be bold in truth, strong in character, and unashamed in our faith.

Putting your head in the sand might keep you from seeing the battle, but it doesn’t mean the battle isn’t raging. Choosing ignorance doesn’t remove responsibility. We are in a spiritual war, and holiness is our uniform. Righteousness isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Church, it’s time to rise up. Dust off the compromise. Step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the call to holiness. Not out of duty—but out of deep, fiery devotion to the King who made you righteous by His blood.

Don't bury your head. Lift it high. The world needs to see what a holy, set-apart follower of Jesus looks like.

— Pastor Jody