Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

"Not sinning" is how most Christians describe holiness.

The Bible, however, defines holiness as "being set apart" or "distinct from the world". As such, holiness is everything that is diametrically opposed to the world. If everyone else in the world is battling with fear, worry, loneliness, and uncertainty, God in Christ has already set you apart for rest, joy, acceptance, and wholeness.

We are to pursue holiness (Hebrews 12:14). The Greek word for "pursue" is diōkō which means "to seek after earnestly, earnestly endeavour to acquire" (Strong's G1377). To put it another way, we must make every effort to become and remain holy.

It is critical to distinguish between making effort and self-effort. This is due to the fact that their motivations differ. "I'm doing it to earn God’s approval and acceptance," is an example of self-effort. "I will do it because I love God and want to please Him," says someone who is making an effort.

Self-effort, by its very name and as well as by its nature, is self-centred. Making an effort, on the other hand, is God-centred and flows from grace through faith. In this sense, God is not opposed to us making an effort to learn about Him and His way, but He is opposed to us earning our way with Him. As such, holiness is not what I accomplish for God, but who I am to God.

Holiness does not mean that we don’t sin anymore.

When you choose to live a life set apart for God, you will realise that you are not yet where God desires you to be. Instead of despair or discouragement, you rest ever-increasingly on Him, knowing that His love enables you to overcome any obstacle that impedes your spiritual growth and well-being.

Holiness is both a gift and favour from God that allows you to become more and more like Him. It is to enjoy a relationship in which we encounter God in so many incredible ways that we are transformed into better sons and daughters for our own good and the glory of God.