Fridays are for ‘Reclaiming Words!’

The intent of this series is to explore words that I think need to be introduced — or re-introduced — to this current generation of college students.

These words have lost their meaning… or have been mis-used or redefined in unhelpful ways… and therefore need to be reclaimed and redefined (again) so that they can be realized by our students!

Today’s word: HOLY.

In a pluralistic world, and increasingly post-Christian America, the challenge to live a life that is HOLY and pleasing to God might seem both antiquated and near impossible. Yet it is the call of God to all of His children.

It’s a word that means, among other things: belonging to, derived from, or associated with a Divine power. Specified or set apart for a religious purpose.

Belonging to the Divine.

Set apart — for a purpose.

But I wonder how many of our students understand their faith — their role as a son or daughter of God, and a follower of Jesus — as one that sets them apart from the world?

From what I can tell, I’d have to say: not many. And that’s probably because they’ve rarely (if ever) seen that kind of faith lived out.

And I think that’s one of the big reasons we see so many young people walk away from their faith. For where there is a lack of holiness, there is often legalism and hypocrisy — two major turnoffs to this younger generation when it comes to faith — because it so clearly misses the point.

The word holy (or holiness) is found 551 times in the Bible and can be found in most of the Old and New Testament books.

Consider just a few of the following examples:

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy! Because on it He rested from all the work creating He had done. (Gen. 2:3)

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex. 3:5)

For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. (Deut. 7:6)

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11)

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Rms. 12:1)

But the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.(Hebrews 2:11).

Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev. 15:3)

And I could go on and on.

But the fact remains that the kind of biblical holiness we see described throughout the biblical text is scarce — even among Christians — in the 21st Century.

We need to lead the way, and do a better job of modeling the kind of holy living that Jesus has called us to!

And we must challenge and encourage our students towards this same life of faithful discipleship.