How to walk in holiness even in these last days...

“Holiness.”

It’s a word that can wrongly signify religion, rules, and externals.

It actually means “to be separate, consecrated.”

“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 3: 15-16, NLT)

It means that every part of my life (eyes, thoughts, actions, relationships, words, and lifestyle) needs to be set apart to be like God.

We are living in a postmodern, post-Christian culture.  Temptation, confusion, and compromise are everywhere.  It feels like world events point to these days as the “last days.” 

How do we walk separated unto God in the dark days we are living in?

1. Set your mind on the coming of Christ.

No one knows exactly when Christ will return.  If they say they do, they are mistaken.

Peter encouraged us that holiness begins with our minds (1 Pet. 1:13).  Our minds need to stay ready for the return of Christ.

If we don’t believe that, our actions will quickly get loose and compromised.  Jesus called compromised believers the foolish bridesmaids who were sleeping at the time of the wedding.

People mock the second coming of Christ as an idle tale.  

Peter, however, reminded us that the “day of the Lord will come like a thief and then the heavens will pass away with a roar and the heavenly bodies will be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10).  There will be no “prep time” to get ready.

He further said, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?” (2 Pet. 3: 11)

He’s coming back.  The question is, will I be ready?  

2. Set your mind on your “holy priesthood.”

Priests were to be separated and consecrated.  

“What’s more, YOU are his holy priests…YOU are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession” (1 Pet. 2: 5, 9, NLT).

I have news for every Christian:  “YOU are a priest.”

You must think of yourself as a holy priest.  Your life is separated and consecrated from the filth and compromise of the lost world.

God has called you to a lifestyle of purity and separation (NOT perfection!).  When you sin, confess it to Him and receive the cleansing of His blood.

Holiness is your very occupation.

3. Set your mind on “passing through.”

You don’t decorate a motel room because you know you are just “passing through.”

“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” (2 Pet. 2: 11)

This world is not our home.  We are just “passing through.”

Stay detached from the world's passions:  “more money, more followers, more influence, more pleasure.”

Let the pursuit of doing the will of God and becoming more like Christ become your primary passion.

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12: 14)

Live holy, separated unto God.  Choose godliness.  Get forgiven when you compromise.  Most of all, keep your eyes on the skies…the Holy One is coming soon.