Holiness has been defined as a nature which delights in purity and repels evil. In 1 Peter 2:5 believers are called holy priests.
In all manner of life, Christians should have the bearing of holiness, for we are made holy (Rom. 12:1; Eph. 4:24; Heb. 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Our spiritual standing is in holiness because of the work of Christ on the cross. We are exhorted to practically walk in that manner in our lives.
Appearances often reflect what is in the heart. For instance, we are careful what we wear to weddings, funerals or into the presence of a dignitary. Surely, we should have that same care about coming into the Lord’s presence in the assembly.
Conversation, too, marks holiness in walk. In Ephesians 5:4, “foolish talking” is forbidden to believers while James 3:8-10 calls our tongue an “unruly evil.” Let each seek that “the words of my mouth” are “acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord” (Psa. 19:14).
Behavior ought to be circumspect (Eph. 5:15-21), and we ought at all times to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).
Thoughts can be edifying or corrupting. Let us take heed to 2 Corinthians 2:11, watching “lest Satan should get an advantage” of us. Let us ever remember to “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).
R. L. DeWitt (adapted)