You can get with this, or you can get with that.

Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Although we ourselves are not divine we are invited to be partakers of such nature. We must strive to bring a full portion of the character of Christ into our daily lives. It is by this character and by this unfailing love that the world will ultimately be changed.

It is not up to us to bring conviction to our fellow man. The Bible reserves that right for Holy Spirit. However, holding our brothers accountable to the cause of Christ is necessary and well within our rights as Christians. But don't be fooled into thinking that it is your job to work out the salvation of others. Keep account of your own actions, your own thoughts, and your own words. When before the throne of God there is no opportunity for redemption, the line is drawn and what side you're on depends on you and you alone. 

In ancient Judaism the word holiness was ONLY used to describe God and in the new testament Jesus invites us into that realm. Leviticus 11 calls God's people (Israel) to consecrate themselves. Dietary laws were instituted in order to separate the clean from the unclean, the wheat from the chaff--God's people vs. the world.

A direct invitation from a rabbi was unheard of in those days. They were the elite, the chosen. Jesus, the high priest, invites us to participate in a nature that is unbeknownst to mankind. While remembering your humanity is important, it is far more important to remember your re-creation. Humanity qualifies us for redemption, becoming Christ-like qualifies us as heirs. The blood was not poured out for believers only, it was poured out for mankind. What separates us, what makes us holy, is the nature of Christ. Apart from possessing salvation we are no different than our neighbor, we're human.But being human and being born with sinful nature does not give room for perpetual and intentional sin. Once you step into the realm of holiness retreat is not an option. As members of the body of Christ we are required to live a life different from that of the world. It becomes our identity. 

The people of God were never meant to be less than mediocre. We are called to excellence. We are called to be the elite members of society. We are called to be politicians changing the world, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even janitors. We are called to infiltrate every area of our community. It will be impossible to incite change in others if we first do not incite change in ourselves. When salvation is truly had, holiness is what becomes of us. It's painful, its stressful, its long--but its beautiful. The path to holiness will undoubtedly one of the most trying and excruciating things we can experience. But the end result is well worth every test. 

I urge you to evaluate yourself. Ask God to judge your heart and your life. We are all born into sin. But the gracious God of heaven offers us a new birth and calls us a new creation. Yes, the character of God, the entirety of His being is love. But God is also Holy. We must therefore be imitators and partakers of His love, mercy, and holiness. 

Become Holy--because God is Holy.