Introduction: Set Apart by God

READ

“You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” Leviticus 20:26

Read also Deuteronomy 4:5–8; Psalm 24:1; Zechariah 8:23 .

REFLECT

The 2024 theme for Every Nation is holiness. In January, we reflected on the call to holiness. In this devotional, we continue to reflect on what this means for us in our individual lives and families, as well as in our church, on our campuses, and in our communities. As we celebrate God’s faithfulness to us as a church this year, let us remember that this faithfulness endures through generations. In response, our only desire is to honor Him in every nation.

Today, we will start by understanding that God has called us to be holy or set apart. This is interesting because God has many attributes that only He has and cannot be shared with people. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and unchanging. But He never tells us, “Be all-powerful because I am all-powerful” or “Be unchanging because I am unchanging.” However, He does say, “Be holy, for I am holy.” This means that holiness is an attribute of God that can be shared with people. This is a truth that is affirmed both in the Old and New Testaments.

Most of us associate holiness with soberness and even strangeness. We may think of holy people as weird, peculiar individuals who live somewhere in the desert, secluded from the rest of the world as “holy people.” But what does God really mean when He says, “Be holy, for I am holy”?

The basic meaning of holy is being separate or set apart. This being set apart has two senses: being set apart from and being set apart to.

In the first sense, it means being separate from those around us. Applied to God, holiness means He is set apart in quality from creation. He is not part of it and His attributes are far above what He has created. When He calls His people to be holy, this is a call to be set apart in our character, behavior, and lifestyle from others who worship false gods. This is so that we would reflect Him and be a light to those around them, leading others to worship Him.

Being separate from the ways of the world is made possible when we understand the call to be set apart to fulfill God’s purpose, which is the second sense of being holy. To be set apart unto God means that we belong to Him alone. We are called to be in a faithful relationship with Him and to live for Him alone. When we view ourselves as belonging to God (and not our own), our thoughts, words, and behaviors are transformed to reflect Him more.

RESPOND

• In what ways are you reflecting the character of God to the people around you? What thoughts, attitudes, and actions do you need to surrender to the Lord today?
• How does the idea of being God’s special possession change the way you view yourself? How does it help you overcome challenges and trials in your life?

Faith Step

Reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness to us as a church. Remember what He has done and express your gratitude for His plans and purposes for us, as we continue to honor Him and make disciples.

PRAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me to be Your child, a vessel of Your goodness, and part of Your kingdom. Apart from You, I cannot be holy. I am unworthy, but You have saved me and set me apart for Your purpose. May Your Spirit guide me and lead me into all truth, giving me wisdom, hope, and peace. May everything I do today and every day bring honor to You.

In Jesus’ name, amen.