Understanding the concept of holiness is quite straightforward if one recognises that holiness is part of the inherent nature of God. He is the Holy God and works among us as the Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of Holiness. Therefore, holiness is integral to God’s character. The Bible, in many scriptures, emphasises the command to be holy and pure, stating that without holiness, no one will see God, and that because God Himself is holy. Consequently, I have taken it upon myself to enlighten God’s people about the seven areas of holiness.
By definition, holiness is the separation from the filth of the world and the consecration to the nature of God. It involves consciously and intentionally choosing to embody the very nature of God by steering clear of things that do not reflect His character. In essence, seeking to be holy means imitating God and Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of holiness.
Holiness of the Eyes
As believers, we are expected to maintain purity in our eyes, as they are one of the windows to our minds. Keeping our eyes holy involves a conscious decision to avoid harmful images, such as nudity, pornography, and inappropriate visuals often seen in music videos. Additionally, we should strive to refrain from looking at the body parts of the opposite sex to keep our vision uncontaminated and honourable.
Holiness of the tongue
Holiness in the use of the tongue is demonstrated through honesty and a commitment to avoiding lies and deceit. Practices such as slander, reviling, gossip, backbiting, cursing, and using vulgar language are all examples of unholiness related to speech. Additionally, singing worldly music that glorifies immorality and sin is also considered unholy, as spiritual individuals understand that such actions do not please God.
Holiness of the Ears
The ears serve as a vital window into the inner consciousness of a person. Whatever is listened to is likely to reflect in the individual’s behaviour. As believers, our ears are meant to align with the very nature of God. Therefore, we teach that listening to worldly songs that do not glorify God and promote sin and immorality is unholy. How do we know this? Because Christ Himself would never have listened to those demon-inspired songs. And yes, we are called to be holy just as He is holy.
Holiness of the Mind
Holiness of mind addresses inner holiness because only God can assess the mind and know those whose minds are pure. Hatred, malice, evil thoughts, unforgiveness, and thoughts of sinful pleasures or lust are all examples of a tainted heart.
Holiness of the Hands
Those who continue to fight, steal, make offensive gestures, and engage in other sinful acts using their hands are not holy.
Holiness of the Body
Body defilement is evident in sexual immorality. Fornication, adultery, incest, homosexuality, transgendering, lesbianism, and bestiality are all ways of defiling the body and engaging in utter unholiness. Believers must distance themselves from the defilement of their bodies, which are temples of the Most High God.
Holiness in Dressing
This aspect of holiness is one that we need to emphasise to the churches of today, as it seems we are following the ways of the world rather than God and His Spirit. The Bible speaks about decency and modesty in how we dress. For some reason, clothing seems to be getting shorter and skimpier day by day. Gowns are becoming shorter, skirts are getting smaller, and trousers are fitting tighter. It appears that Satan has influenced many fashion designers who deceive our young women with seductive and inappropriate outfits.
Our worry is for those who claim to have found Jesus and are supposedly called unto holiness, as it is written: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7. We worry that they put on these ungodly vestments. We fear most because somehow these robes and garments have found their way into churches. There seems to be a little dressing purity in today’s churches and in the Christianity of today’s believers who mention God but have no iota of godliness or ‘God-likeness’ in their appearance. If the word Christian means Christ-like, are we truly like Christ when we put on seduction and unholiness? Is Christ unholy? Will Christ applaud us in those semi-nude outfits? But these unholy vessels say they are Christians and call on the name of our God.
Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. – (2 Timothy 2:19).
Our young men must also learn to dress decently and not reveal their inner garments in public. We also know that there are men who dress to seduce weak women. But it should not be so with you, oh Christian, for we were called unto holiness.
Now we know that there is one who seeks to lead both men and women into sin and destruction – the devil. Those who create fashion trends that promote ungodliness are more aligned with him. Those who advertise such unholy clothing are similar to him, and believers who choose to wear these garments contribute to his work of leading others into sin and destruction. These will God judge with Satan on the last day unless they repent and return to Holiness.
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, … and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth. – Revelations 11:18
Holiness of the Feet
Finally, there is the holiness that relates to the use of our feet. A believer’s feet is not to be found in the house of idolatry. His feet should not be seen in the house of harlots and prostitutes. For even God and angels find such places repulsive, why should a believer be found there?
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” – Leviticus 19:1&2
