Holiness Is Not Optional

 I watched a reel where a preacher said something that lit a fire in me... 

“Holiness is not just about your belief, it’s about your behavior. If discipleship is the goal, then holiness becomes non-negotiable. I embrace holiness. I need holiness. I love holiness. It is the work of God in the human heart after your salvation.”

That word "holiness" stirred something in me.

Because, let’s be honest....the word “holiness” has gotten a bad reputation. Somewhere along the way, it became a label people use to mock, to accuse, or to reject.

“Oh, they just think they’re holier than thou.”
“Who do they think they are, acting so perfect?”

But true holiness isn’t about being better than anyone else. It's not a spotlight on your perfection.....it’s a reflection of His. Holiness is not arrogance. It’s surrender. And it’s not superiority either, it’s transformation.

Holiness is God’s sacred work within us, shaping our character, softening our hearts, and calling us to look more and more like Jesus.

And here's the truth we can't ignore though... holiness is not a suggestion. It’s a command!

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. – 1 Peter 1:16

That’s not optional. That’s not just for preachers or others in leadership. It’s for every believer.

Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1

That’s not a list of rules ... it’s a pursuit of a person. JESUS.

It’s walking in reverence, knowing that we’ve been set apart not because we’re better, but because we’ve been bought.

And here’s what’s so beautiful....holiness is not something you achieve.
It’s something you receive and respond to. It starts at salvation, but it grows through obedience. 

It’s not a punishment. It’s a privilege. And it’s not about never falling ....it’s about always returning.

I want to be holy not to impress anyone, but to please the One who called me out of darkness!

Because I remember what it felt like to live in the dark. I remember what it felt like to chase everything but Jesus.

Now? I crave what’s pure. I love what’s righteous. I desire what’s holy.
Not because of me.... but all because of Him.

Holiness isn't old-fashioned.
It's revival.
It's real.
And it's still required.

Let the world misunderstand. Let religion mislabel it.
But as for me?  Like the preacher in the reel said....

I embrace holiness.
I need holiness.
I love holiness.

Because He is holy.
And He commands that we follow Him in it.

And I want to be like Him!