8 December | Youth
«But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”» 1 Peter 1:15, 16
Holiness is a serious matter. There is no more important work in life than sanctification. But what does this mean? The theological term seems complicated, but the concept is quite simple: holiness is being like Jesus. It is looking like Him.
The biggest difficulty in understanding holiness are the “saints” who spend an eternity in church but look nothing like Jesus. They dress like saints, talk like saints, eat like saints, live with saints, but they never really knew Jesus. The keyword for sanctification is relationship.
Since holiness is a concept associated with Divinity, we think the standard is unattainable. In fact, it is. But through contemplation the miracle of transformation occurs. The time we spend in relationship with Jesus produces the change that needs to be made in our lives. When this happens, people start to see Jesus in us.
When we meet someone, we become familiar with that person. The same thing happens with Jesus. When we relate to Him, we take on His characteristics and imitate His behavior. We need to understand that holiness is not going to church or participating in religious activities or following rules mechanically, without the correct motivations.
Holiness is making Jesus your best friend in life. It is walking with Him every day with the help of the Scriptures. It is taking pleasure in His presence, desiring Him as your best company, certain that it is wonderful to be in His presence. It is having such a deep relationship with Jesus that He really takes first place in your life. It is giving more importance to Him than to anything else.