In all manner of life, Christians should have the bearing of holiness, for we are made holy (Rom. 12:11I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1); Eph. 4:2424And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:24); Heb. 12:1414Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14); 1 Peter 1:15-1615But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (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 5:44Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4), “foolish talking” is forbidden to believers while James 3:8-108But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (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. 19:1414Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)).
R. L. DeWitt (adapted)