The Pursuit of Holiness

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

June 22, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

The Pursuit of Holiness

Holiness is something every believer should be pursuing.

Can we really be holy?

God is holy, of course. But what about us? Is holiness even within the realm of possibility?

Scripture tells us that holiness is exactly what we should be pursuing.

Scripture Focus

Ephesians 1:4

”…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love…”

What does it mean that “we should be holy”?

At its core, holiness involves being morally blameless before God.

Apparently, this is what is expected of us in light of our salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We all have flaws. We all fall short at times. None of us are perfect when compared to the absolute holiness of God.

However, we can strive for holiness.

We can choose to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character.

That is the effort every believer should be making.

1 Peter 1:15-16

”…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.’”

This requires daily effort.

It means living carefully and measuring our conduct against the holiness of God.

The Bible teaches from the very beginning that we have been created in the image and likeness of God.

We are not God, but we have been invested with His attributes. We possess a conscience and the ability to discern right from wrong.

Our conscience is informed by God’s Word, which reveals His character and His standards.

We should all be pursuing a life that becomes increasingly Christlike.

1 John 2:6

“He who says he abides in Christ ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

That is a high calling.

But it is possible.

Christ has given us both the example and the power to follow Him.

Today’s Challenge

Take time today to examine the state of holiness in your life.

Are there areas where your conduct does not reflect the character of Christ?

Ask God to help you become more like Jesus in your thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions.

The goal is not perfection, but faithful pursuit.

Today, pursue holiness and strive to reflect His virtue in every area of your life.