Day 21: Morality vs. Holiness

Which, as a Christian, ought we to seek first—morality or holiness? Holiness, of course, but what is the difference?

Morality requires us to live by a set of rules or to aim for specific virtues. The problem of morality is that it depends on time, culture, and location. The morals of Republican Rome differ markedly from those of Victorian England, which in turn contrast with morality in twenty-first century Maryland. Even if morality were consistent, being a moral person who follows rules is not what distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. The rich young man of Matthew 19 illustrates this fact clearly when he admits that, although he lives by ideal morals, he cannot join the band of believers who follow Christ.

What, then, is holiness, and why must we seek it? Many know that this word implies being “set apart” from non-believers but struggle to apply this concept to their Christian walks. “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” is the Lord's command in Leviticus 19:2 to his chosen people, who are to set themselves apart from surrounding pagan people groups. Like the Israelites, we believers in Christ are called to holiness (cf. I Peter 1:15-16). In seeking holiness, we seek to reflect the divine in all parts of our lives. Pursuing holiness sets us apart as believers in Christ.

If you read Leviticus 19, you will notice that the chapter is a set of rules for Israel; it is a guide to morality for that chosen people. Notice, however, that the list of morals is prefaced by this call to holiness. A life devoted to the pursuit of holiness yields adherence to scriptural morality. As the second verse of William D. Longstaff's hymn says, “Take time to be holy, / The world rushes on; / spend much time in secret with Jesus alone: / By looking to Jesus / Like Him thou shalt be; / Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.” Stop aiming for morality and take time to be holy this week.

~Elease Layman