Dedicated to God

The root word of holiness in Hebrew is QODESH. For a person, it indicates being set apart/dedicated unto God and separated from all that is sinful and impure. Saints are holy ones, sanctified and consecrated to and by God. All true Christians must be holy.

In the temple in the Old Testament, God asked Israel to consecrate both, all the things that were placed in it, as well as all people who entered. Special ceremonies and sacrificial offerings were made to accomplish this. Israel was a separated people. The priest were a further separated people. They were honored by God and had special rules to live by.

Today God calls each of us to enter into this position of dedication unto him. 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

Royalty

Think of royalty past or present. When you do, you may also think of people who stand out in a crowd. They are not expected to look, act, or speak as a commoner would. They are considered special and set apart. They are ambassadors for their kingdom, a symbol of its greatness. They tend to be protected and looked up to. They attract attention because of who they are.

Separation is Protection and Privilege

God, the King of Kings, wants that for us. He has given us instructions to follow for our protection. He wants us to stand out because of who we are, his children and a royal priesthood set apart to glorify him. We are not to look, act, or speak as the rest of the world does. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
This position of holiness that separates us from the world must be seen as the privilege it is, not a burden that it can feel like if we let our eyes off of God and his love and purpose for us.

Reflecting on What Holiness Means to You

Think of things or people you have considered holy. What characteristics do they have that make you think of them in that way? God wants us to be holy, set apart for him. Is there anything so special to you that it is set apart in a place of honor or protection? Maybe it is on the top of the list of things to grab in case of a fire. Maybe he/she is a person you show greater respect or love toward and are more protective of. What makes it/he/she so special to you? How do you treat them differently as a result? Do these questions help you understand a bit more how God thinks about his people? Leave your answers and comments in the comment section below so we can explore more deeply together the concept of what holiness means to God and to us.

In the next holiness blog I will write about how holiness is a commandment given by God. I hope you will subscribe so you can follow me in this devotional as we read the scriptures and apply them to our lives. Join me in this journey of Health, Holiness, and Hallelujahs.