Leviticus 16-19
Being Holy

If it seems we've talked a lot about holiness in the last several Applying God's Word articles, there's a good reason for it: the book of Leviticus is about holiness. No other book of the Bible uses the word "holy" more than this one. As obscure and out of sync with our lives as the book sometimes seems, that fact alone ought to tell us something important about it.

Chapter 19 begins, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the LORD your God.'"

These verses give us an idea of what holiness really is. It is a conscience decision we make. We don't stumble into holiness by accident. While we are born sinless, we aren't born holy-separated unto God. Holiness is a mindset we choose to adopt at some point in our lives, and a mindset we must choose to maintain. It is not granted because we have done certain things, but because of who we are that leads us to do certain things. So, understanding that, what are the choices we must make to be called "holy?"

First, God is to be our model for holiness. If you want to know what it is and how it is, look to Him. We draw comfort sometimes in our weaknesses by comparing ourselves with others. If we look hard enough, we can always find someone who is worst than we are, which makes us feel better. But, that doesn't cut it. If we are to evaluate our holiness, we must go to the top and look at God. If that seems daunting, it is; but, it is the standard. We must grow to love what He loves; hate what He hates; fellowship those with whom He fellowships; disassociate ourselves from those whom God would not associate.

Second, our attitude toward God determines our holiness. They were told to worship God in their lives, and actions of worship were to be freely given (v. 5). The sacrifices God desires are not those driven only by duty, but those driven by love. When our service is forced, it has little value if any to God. It is interesting that in these instructions of how they were to approach Him, they were told to "revere" their fathers and mothers. What does that have to do with holding God holy? Everything! He instructs this, and when we obey, we honor Him. It is impossible to honor God as holy and yet disregard His instructions.

Finally, our actions toward others determines our holiness (v. 9- 37). Throughout this chapter (the whole book, in fact), God gave instructions on how they were to treat one another. From the poor to the handicapped, in harvest or business dealing, holy people treat others fairly and are always mindful of how God would have them act toward others. It is fitting that the chapter closes with these words, "Therefore you shall observe all My statues and all My judgments, and perform them: I am the LORD."