Are You Guilty Of Living Holy?

Written by Bishop Ronald D. Roston for 3V Magazine

To be found “guilty” means that you are blameworthy, culpable, responsible, or not innocent of something. There is an inference that you are on the wrong side of the law. When it comes to living holy, we definitely want to be found on the wrong side of the law of sin and death. We want to live in such a manner, that our life is found blameworthy of being holy.

There used to be a time in American society, when folks who truly lived their lives by biblical standards were known as “holy rollers”. They didn’t smoke cigarettes, drink alcoholic beverages, go to the movies, go swimming, go roller skating, and very rarely watched television. The ladies didn’t wear make-up, pants, or form fitting clothes. The men were clean shaven and very rarely wore bright colored clothing. And tattoos or body piercing…forget about it. Even the women wearing earrings was a rarity.

The saints of old were very recognizable. They did not look like the unsaved folks, nor did they try to. They were not concerned about blending in, or crossing over. They deliberately separated themselves from the “look” of the world, the “sound” of the world, and in some cases the “smell” of the world.

We now realize that it is not what you look like outside that determines your holiness; but it is actually what you look like inside that makes that determination. What are your motives, what is your purpose? However, what you look like inside will definitely influence what you look like outside! Your inward holiness should have a direct relationship on your outward appearance. Being fully aware that the Scriptures command us to come out from among them, and be ye separate; there are some practical ‘best practices’ we must live by.

When people look at us and eavesdrop on our conversations, they should not confuse us with unsaved folks. Our dress, attitude, verbal conversations, and manner of life should all reflect the character of Christ. Our physical and moral presentation should indicate our allegiance to Christ, our citizenship in the Kingdom of God, and our submission to the Holy Spirit governing our life. Our Christianity must go beyond a “look”. We must live this life of holiness. By ye holy, as I am holy, says the Lord of Hosts. We must subsist, breathe, and reside in holiness. Without holiness, no man shall see God.