Take Time To Be Holy

David Eldridge

Song #55 in our hymn books is “Take Time to be Holy”. There are many valuable lessons to be learned from this song. Consider the need to take time to be holy.

What is Holiness? Holiness is associated with cleanness or purity; it also denotes a separation or cutting off. As we consider this word in spiritual terms we understand it is a cutting off from our lives all things that defile (i.e. sin) and thereby achieving and striving to remain in a state of purity before God. God is the true definition of holiness (cf. Isaiah 5:16; 6:3) for he is the epitome of purity (Habakkuk 1:13).

Holiness is Demanded by God. In Leviticus 19:2 God tells the children of Israel, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” In the Old Testament this consisted more of a outward cleanliness, whereas in the New Testament we are commanded to have a inner holiness (cf. II Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:24; Hebrews 12:14). We must strive to be like God, separated from evil and set aside unto His good purposes – God will accept nothing less.

Taking Time. Time is a very precious, we have only a limited amount of it (cf. James 4:14). Since time is so limited and therefore precious we use it to do the things that are our priorities. Some may use it at work, with their family, watching the evening news, playing or viewing sports – the list could go on and on. However, one thing can’t be denied – we take time for those things that mean the most to us. We, as Christians, need to see that we must take time out of our very busy lives to develop holiness. We must be “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

Developing Holiness. Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:16-20 that holiness does not come from without, but rather from within. Therefore, if we are to be holy, we must spend our time making sure our hearts are right. This can be accomplished by several things. 1) Study God’s word (Acts 17:11; II Timothy 2:15). 2) Meditate on the things you study (Philippians 4:8). 3) Surround yourself with good influences (I Corinthians 15:33). 4) Develop a strong prayer life (Colossians 4:2). Let us all take time to be holy!