Slideshow image

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14 – 16)

We are all very familiar with the Bible verse "Be holy, because I am holy." God demands that we behave in a holy manner, because as children of God, we are to be a testimony of His holiness in this evil generation. In practice, however, we know that we are unable to obey this command due to our sinful nature. So when faced with this command, we feel helpless, and often take the “I’ll just do what I can” approach. But is this what God longs to see? Do we have a way out to fulfill this command?

In the original Greek text, "holy" means "set apart by/for God". That is, we are consecrated by God and for God. The main focus is to distinguish ourselves from the surrounding world to witness God's holiness. When we act differently from the world, we exhibit the holiness of God, and we become holy.

So how can we believers radiate God's holiness in everyday life, especially during this challenging time under the threat of Covid-19?

• When the world is in a state of panic; when everyone is worried about the rising number of infections and deaths; and when we shiver in fear as we are bombarded with all the bad news— if we can continue to live in peace with strength because we know that God is still enthroned, and if we can face this outbreak with a grateful smile for we can still see God's grace in the midst of chaos, then we are radiating God's holiness.
• When the world, for reasons of self-preservation, panic buys, hoards food and disinfectants and other medical supplies— if we can hold onto the promise of Jesus Christ daily: do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear (like the pagans)…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:25-33), then we are radiating God’s holiness.
• When the world is practising social distancing to avoid cross infection, but if we still in different ways care for those around us, and more selflessly help those in need, we are radiating God’s holiness.

“Be holy, because I am holy.” This is not simply a teaching or just a command, it is in fact God's calling for us to live a life that is totally different from that of the non-believers, so that we can be His glory.