Holy as He Is Holy

It’s easy to compare ourselves to others. We’re more responsible than him. We don’t get as angry as she does. So-and-so is always gossiping. When we line ourselves up against others, we often come out ahead. Even though we know we are sinners, it is easy to think that we’re not that bad. But the one to whom we should be comparing ourselves is God. We may look good when compared to others, but when compared to God, we are far from holy.

Scripture tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). In humility we need to remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians: “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?” (4:7). We fall far short of the holy standard of God. And any good thing that we do have to offer others has been given to us by God. This should strike us as a very humbling position to be in. However, throughout our lives, we are to consistently be maturing in our relationship with Him. This is called sanctification, and it is unending in this life. God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Of course, as we grow in our relationship and understanding of God, that could be a very overwhelming and discouraging thought. How can we be holy as our perfect, good God is holy? Thankfully, He makes us holy through the death and resurrection of His Son (Leviticus 22:32).

As we examine ourselves and are tempted to compare ourselves to others to come out ahead, let us remember that we should be living as a reflection of Christ and His holiness.

Holy God, please help me to remember Your holiness and that I am to reflect Your love to others instead of comparing myself to them.