“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9
You have a calling. A purpose. A role to play in God’s great story.
This calling is to a way of life regardless of your profession. God calls every person who has received His salvation to live a holy life.
In fact, New Testament writers had the habit of referring to believers as “saints” or “God’s holy people.” In every thought, every word, and in every deed, God calls His followers to walk in the way of righteousness.
In his first letter to believers scattered around the world, Peter explains much about our call to holiness (1 Peter 1:1-2).
• We live holy lives, not to try to earn salvation — that’s impossible — but because God is holy and we want to be like Him. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15).
• Holiness is not a life of legalism or rule following. It’s a life of freedom from sin and of surrendering to God’s way. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:16).
• Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us the power to live holy lives. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
• Holy living brings glory to God as we show others by our words and actions how God has changed us. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
God calls us to be holy, because He is holy, so that our lives will draw others to Him. This high calling lifts our eyes to Jesus, the One who saves us freely and the One who makes us holy with our cooperation.
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me Your own and giving me a purpose. Make me holy as You are holy. Amen.
