I once heard a speaker describe God’s unique nature in a memorable way. The word “God” was placed at the top of a PowerPoint slide, the words “Everything Else” at the bottom, and a solid line in-between. The speaker then stated that—as His creatures—we’re more like a worm or a cow than God. In His holiness, He’s separate, “above the line.”
Perfect in all He is and does, God is set apart from all creation and alone worthy of our worship (Psalm 96:8). As the psalmist declares, “Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him” (Psalm 96:9).
Yet more than once in Scripture, those who belong to God are told to also be holy—set apart—as He is holy. How can we, as created beings, reflect divine holiness? We know our own frailties and sinfulness, so it seems impossible. But Paul wrote that those “who have been called by God to be his own holy people” are “made. . . holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he [does] for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Those who believe in Jesus and receive salvation by His sacrifice are dedicated to God, made holy through Christ’s Spirit.
But there’s also an ethical part to holiness. By the power of the Spirit, believers in Jesus can strive to live lives that reflect the beauty and “otherly” nature of God (Romans 8:5-6,9).
Will we do this perfectly in this life? No. Each of us will still struggle with sin. But we can always turn to the One who alone is perfect. May we worship Him for His greatness, beauty, honor, and majesty (Psalm 96:4-6). And may we pursue His holiness as the Holy Spirit provides all we need to be set apart for our “glorious and strong,” holy God (Psalm 96:7).