Is Holiness Still a Thing?

Holiness in a Broken World
We live in a world that feels far from what our grandparents knew—a world scarred by violence, corruption, and moral drift. Yet in the midst of this, God's call to His people has not changed: "Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness isn't an optional extra for "super-Christians" or a secluded life away from society—it's a universal call for every follower of Jesus. This call is both practical and relational. It's not about legalistic rule-keeping, but about living in an intimate relationship with Christ, shaped by His Spirit, and reflecting His character in our everyday lives.

What Holiness Really Is
Holiness isn't earned by ticking boxes of religious behavior or avoiding certain "bad" things. It's not about isolation from the world but transformation within it. True holiness flows from loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and loving our neighbor as ourselves. It's a daily surrender that allows God's Spirit to reshape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions so we reflect Christ's humility, compassion, and purity. As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, holiness is expressed in how we treat others—even our enemies—with love, grace, and truth.

Holiness in Action
From the laws of Leviticus to the teachings of Jesus, God's Word shows that holiness is deeply practical. It's about honesty, generosity, justice, and mercy in our interactions. It's about living transparently before God and others, holding nothing back, and letting His character be visible in us. Holiness means choosing people over profits, serving instead of exploiting, and valuing others as Christ values them. It's about becoming "less" so that Christ may become "more" in us (John 3:30).

A Challenge for the Week Ahead
This week, take holiness beyond Sunday. Ask yourself each morning: How can I reflect the character of Christ today? Be intentional in loving someone who's hard to love, forgiving someone who's wronged you, or serving someone who can't repay you. Set aside time to deepen your walk with God in prayer and Scripture. Holiness is not a finish line we cross but a daily journey of surrender, growth, and love. Let's live so that when others see us, they see the light of Christ shining through.

Let the Fool Out — Embracing a Life of Faith that Defies the World

There's a striking statement in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that reminds us, "God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise." It's a powerful truth, and one that hits close to home for many of us who have chosen to follow Jesus. Throughout Scripture, and even in our modern lives, we see that choosing to live by God's wisdom often means going against the grain of what the world values. Wealth, status, and power may be the world's measuring sticks for success—but God's call is different. It's a call to humility, love, forgiveness, and sacrificial service—a path many see as foolish.

This so-called "foolishness" is not recklessness. It's not about being intentionally bizarre or irrational. Rather, it's about aligning our lives with Christ—even when it makes us look strange to others. Consider Noah, Abraham, David, the apostles, and even Jesus Himself—all "fools" in the eyes of their culture for trusting in God's promises and stepping out in faith. And yet, each one experienced the miraculous as a result of their obedience. They chose to walk by faith, not sight, and God honored them.

To be a fool for Jesus is to live a life that doesn't always make sense to the world but is deeply rooted in the wisdom and love of God. It means giving generously, loving radically, forgiving repeatedly, and trusting completely. It might mean leaving behind security to pursue calling, offering kindness instead of vengeance, or holding onto hope when others have given up. We are not alone in this; Scripture and the saints before us remind us that God uses the "foolish" things of this world to do extraordinary things.

So the real question is: what kind of fool will we be? Will we let fear of judgment, or the need to appear reasonable, keep us from living boldly for Christ? Or will we, like Paul, wear the label "fool for Christ" as a badge of honor, trusting that one day we will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant"? Let the fool out. Not for show. Not for rebellion. But in full surrender to the God who sees beyond the surface, who calls us not to blend in, but to stand out for His glory.

This week's challenge: Spend time reflecting on the following passages: 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, 1 Corinthians 4:10, Isaiah 55:8–9, and Luke 6:27–36. Read them slowly and prayerfully, and consider what foolishness you may be called into for the sake of Christ. Ask God to grow in you a faith bold enough to look different from the world—and deep enough to trust Him fully with each step.