Lent Day 23 - Be Holy

‘I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.’ Leviticus 11:44a

‘Holy God, what do you desire from me?’ ‘Make every effort to … be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord’ (Heb. 12:14).

I was looking forward to sharing dinner with friends, but although I may have appeared to be a nice enough person, I was later convicted of my unattractive ego and self. My heart was more often motivated by me than by God.

It’s pleasant to meet nice people, but without holiness we lack the conviction of God’s presence. If we’re amiable and kind-mannered, many may like us, but holiness goes further and deeper. Holiness stands for God’s divine nature and intentions for life. As we seek to be holy, our values may not always be acceptable to others, but we will reflect who God is.

I’ve been challenged to prayerfully consider some questions which I share with you here.

When have I appeared to be nice but have:

• Compromised truth?

• Conceded to principles or beliefs that are lower than God’s standard?

• Nurtured negativity?

• Subtly (or overtly) shifted the blame onto someone else?

• Subtly (or overtly) shamed or put someone down?

• Turned a blind eye to injustice?

• Spoken or acted hypocritically or deceptively?

• Turned the focus of attention onto me?

No one is perfect!

Just pray through your response as you feel led. Your Father loves to help you grow into his likeness.

Taken from Waiting Well With Jesus by Lynda Wake

Ruth O’Reilly-Smith helps us to slow down, listen to God and respond to him in this beautiful devotional journal.

Each week has a different word to reflect on, along with personal stories, Bible references, journal reflections and a prayer, gently helping you to draw nearer to God who understands your pain and grief.

In the midst of our own heartbreak, Lynda gently reminds us of our breath-taking inheritance in Christ, discovering rich treasures along the way that can only be sought and found through a costly veil of tears.


Let’s pray:

Holy God, I hear your Father’s loving call to be holy. I choose to commit myself to keeping in step with your holy nature, obeying your holy commands and opening my heart to your holy purpose to bring your love and life to this broken world. I know I’ll never be perfect, but thank you for helping me grow increasingly into your holy likeness.