In the Bible dictionary holiness is defined as “ things or places were holy that were set apart for a sacred purpose; the opposite of holy is therefore common or profane; Similarly a holy person meant one who held a sacred office. The Israelites were a holy people because they stood in a special relationship to Jehovah. The word holy therefore came to refer to moral character” (704). Sanctification is the removing power or sins and the stains that they cause, enabling us to become as "white as snow." We need both to be holy, but we also need the sanctifying power of Christ to help us with those mistakes that we will make.
Jehovah commands his followers to be holy so they are worth to obtain the blessings that he has in store for them. When we follow the commandments and do what we are asked to do we are proving ourselves worthy to the Lord and showing Him that we are trying our best to remain worthy to keep our side of the covenant and that we are trying to remain worthy to be able to receive the blessings He has in store for us. The Lord wants us to be able to become more like Him. He repeatedly states, “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.” He is the ultimate example and wants us to become like Him.
In today’s world there are many things that distract us and can harm us from obtaining the blessings the Lord has in store for us. It is our responsibility to make sure that we don’t allow these distractions to take hold of our lives and bring us down. The ways of the world are strong and they beg for our attention, but we have to make sure that our goals and lives are in line with the commandments of the Lord. It has been said that it is easier to be righteous 100% than 98%.
The following is a list of commandments found in Leviticus. The green highlighted ones are ones that I personally think that the world is struggling with today. Some more than others, but I think that a lot of the world doesn’t recognize commandments and strive to follow them. The ones highlighted in blue are the ones that I feel like I need to do better on. I realize that tithing helps out the less fortunate, but I feel like there is more that I can do. I also need to do better on judging and gossiping and being able to love everyone.
Obey they mother and father
Do not worship any idols or other gods
Do not lie, cheat or steal
Do not use the Lord’s name in vain
Do not fraud your neighbor
Extend charity to the less fortunate
Judge righteously
Love one another
Do not commit adultery
No cuts or markings on body
Do not prostitute your daughter
Keep the Sabbath day
Do not seek our wizards and such
Do not commit homosexual acts
The follow is a clip from Jeffrey R. Holland that talks about being sanctified and about being holy and worthy.
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