The Call to Be Holy: What Set-Apart Living Looks Like Today

When you hear the word holy, what comes to mind? For some, it might feel like an impossible standard. For others, it may sound old-fashioned or out of reach. But holiness isn’t about being perfect or having it all together, it’s about being set apart for God.

In a world that constantly pulls us to fit in, God’s call is clear:

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
— 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)

Holiness isn’t optional. It’s not just for pastors, missionaries, or “super Christians.” It’s the calling of every believer. And the beautiful truth is this: holiness is possible because of Christ living in us.

What Holiness is Not

Before we look at what holiness really is, let’s clear up what it isn’t.

• Holiness is not about legalism or self-righteousness.

• It’s not about outward appearance.

• It’s not about keeping up a spiritual checklist to look good to others.

For me, this truth is personal. I have tattoos. And for a long time, I wrestled with how people might see me in ministry. But God has reminded me over and over again that holiness is a matter of the heart, not the skin. It’s about who I belong to and the life I choose to live for Him.

What Holiness Is

Holiness means being set apart. It means choosing to think, live, and love differently because we belong to Jesus.

Romans 12:1–2 reminds us:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (KJV)

Holiness isn’t about perfection. It’s about surrender. It’s about letting God transform us from the inside out so that our lives reflect Him.

Living Set Apart in Daily Life

So how does holiness show up in everyday life? It’s often in the small choices we make:

• What we consume- the media we watch, the conversations we engage in, the words we speak. Remember, what we fill up with is what will spill out of us. 

• How we treat others-  extending kindness, forgiveness, and grace, even when it’s hard.

• Where we invest our time- making room for prayer, God’s Word, and community with believers.

Holiness isn’t about being removed from the world; it’s about living differently within it. And when we live set apart, people notice. Our lives begin to point others toward Jesus.

The Hope of Holiness

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to try to be holy in your own strength. Left to ourselves, we’ll fall short every time. But through the Spirit of God, holiness is possible.

2 Corinthians 7:1 says:

“…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (KJV)

Holiness is not a burden — it’s a beautiful invitation to live free, live differently, and live close to Jesus.

A Challenge for This Week

Ask God to reveal one area of your life where He’s calling you to live set apart. Maybe it’s what you’re watching, how you speak, or where your time goes. Then, take one small step of obedience.

Holiness is not about being “good enough.” It’s about belonging to Him and reflecting His character to a world that desperately needs His light.

Friend, you are called to be holy. You are called to be set apart. And with Christ in you, it’s possible.

💬 I’d love to hear from you: What does holiness look like for you in this season? Share in the comments below!