In their recent book, The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, Jean Twenge and Keith Campbell chronicle the obsession many Americans have with themselves, a mindset that is not only extant in the United States, but can be found everywhere. The book lists various examples exhibiting characteristics that are a world away from holiness which the Bible says should influence our attitudes and behavior: “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).
The words “holy” or “sanctified” are often interpreted to mean “righteous” or “pure” or something similar, but the basic concept of the Hebrew word qadosh and its variations is that of “apartness” and “distinction.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary explains, “In the highest sense holiness belongs to God (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 15:4), and to Christians…in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Romans 6:19, 22; Ephesians 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development….carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 4:23- 24).”
God calls individuals out of this world into a relationship with Him, referring to them as “brethren,” a family term, indicating we are to be in a close relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ, as Peter points out: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Holiness means living our lives to love God and our fellow man (Matthew 22:36-40). It involves turning our backs on a narcissistic (selfish) lifestyle and changing our focus from self to seeking to serve others. We are challenged to behave differently than those who do not have God’s Spirit: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
It might be good to ask ourselves, when watching a movie, reading books or discussing our views, would we be doing this if Jesus Christ were standing next to us? He is actually with us in spirit, so why not carry a mental picture with us as we go about our daily tasks of our elder Brother and soon-coming King of Kings as a part of your daily lives?
Sincere, obedient Christians, who have repented, been baptized and received God’s Holy Spirit have a special relationship that doesn’t end when we leave our prayer closets, but continues during all our waking moments. Others may not agree with our beliefs and practices, but because we are reflecting Christ they should have nothing to say against us in respect to our character and integrity (Titus 2:7-8).
Jesus Christ set us a perfect example of how to live God’s way of life. He was humble enough to empty Himself of the glory He shared with the Father and come to earth to model it for us and to die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-10). He showed compassion for others, and mixed with people of a lowly position. He fasted and prayed fervently. He always gave the glory to God, and submitted to the will of His Father. He taught the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God, and lived a perfect life without sin. Finally, He gave that perfect life for us – even forgiving those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34) – so that we might be forgiven of sin and receive eternal life.
After His resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us when we repent, responding to our pleas for mercy when we slip up and helping us as we try to reflect Him in our lives and preach the hope of His soon-coming Kingdom.
Attitudes and actions reflecting Christ are the fruits of God’s Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We are challenged to set a higher standard—not one of entitlement, selfishness and personal excess, but a standard defined by God’s perfect law: “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled” (Hebrews 12:14-15).
Reflecting Jesus Christ all day and every day should be our aim.
