I took a political science class when I was in college. One of the assignments was to post a political sign in a public place for the upcoming election. I don’t remember all the details, but it might have been a school board election. I just knew that I didn’t want to participate in the assignment, but it was part of the grade for the class. My sister took her sign to a small grocery store, and I took mine to the post office. How was I to know post offices can’t publicly support candidates? So, I did what any good American would do. I taped the sign to my car window. That way anyone I drove by could see the sign. Genius!

This assignment was one I wasn’t interested in doing. At the time, I had absolutely no interest in politics or political candidates. I only fulfilled the assignment so I could honestly report back that I did it. I didn’t care how well or accurately I had done the job, I just knew that it had to be done. I completed the assignment and passed the class. I did as little as was needed to fulfill my obligation.

I sometimes have the same attitude about my morning walk. I don’t always want to take the walk, but I know that it’s best if I do it. I don’t expect to be graded for my effort, and no one is holding me accountable for my walking. I just know it’s a healthy activity I should do. I had recently sloughed off because I caught a cold. So, I took some time off from my morning routine. And even though it’s been five weeks since I was sick, I haven’t gotten back in the habit of walking. Honestly, I haven’t really missed it, but I know I need to put my walking shoes back on.

On Monday morning this week, whether I wanted to or not, I headed out the door. My route only takes about twenty minutes, and it’s a good habit to have. Why do I try to avoid it? So, I found myself out walking two mornings this week. I’ve found an excuse not to do it the rest of the week, so now I’m working hard to change my attitude about the “interruption” to my morning. It’s one small activity I can check off my daily to-do list, and it isn’t even painful. Why do I tell myself that it’s a bother when it’s actually good for me? Laziness can be such a killer.

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But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

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I wonder. How many Christians actually prioritize their walk with Christ? Do we think the relationship will just grow on its own? Do we make sure to avoid sin? Have we Christians become lazy when it comes to living a holy life? Do we have a good attitude about exhibiting godliness to those we encounter on a daily basis? Do we avoid sin? Or, do we think others will understand if we have a bad reputation, or if we make it a regular habit of speaking ill of others while also claiming to be a Christian? What happens when someone we trust finds us involved in an activity that we both know dishonors God? Are we concerned when our selfish actions speak louder than our verbal commitment to God? Do we who call ourselves Christians actually live a holy life?

What exactly is holy living, anyway? What is holiness?

A holy life is one that is lived separate from the secular life. It’s a life lived in agreement with biblical teaching. It’s living our life in God’s will, instead of just barely fitting God into our life or keeping him on the fringes. We deliberately separate ourselves from sin.

And the sad thing is that perhaps many Christians don’t even care about holiness. They don’t care that their behavior isn’t any different from someone who doesn’t claim to be a follower of Christ. But when we say we are Christians, what sets us apart from those who aren’t? There has to be a difference. Otherwise, what’s the point of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross? It wasn’t for nothing. And it certainly wasn’t for us to celebrate the Easter bunny. Holiness is an essential part of living a growing Christian life.

It may be easy to slough off on developing a deep walk with Christ and wholeheartedly following him. Any relationship takes work, and it isn’t always easy. There are hills and there are valleys. But the long, slow walk of obedience is the path of peace and deep fulfillment. Holy living isn’t for the weak. Some will say it means sacrificing what we desire for what God wants for us. And yes. There are sacrifices. How can it be called bad when someone actually relinquishes their selfish pride or stops lying?

And here’s the kicker. Jesus expects obedience out of his followers. How can we call ourselves a follower if we’re not actually following his teachings? It’s not a one-sided relationship. In order to live without spot or blemish as it says in the book of Ephesians, we need to figure out the difference between pure and impure motives and actions. That’s holy living in a nutshell. We must pursue a holy life every single day until Jesus calls us home.

He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Ephesians 5:27

In my college days, I completed my assignment, not because I was interested in politics but so I would receive a passing grade. And I walk now because it’s a healthy step in aging gracefully. It’s good for me. But living a holy life is not a recommendation by God. It’s a requirement.

Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24