Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards
Precious ones,
Holiness has gotten a bad reputation in modern Christianity. We often associate it with legalism, joyless religion, and impossible standards. But biblical holiness isn't about following rigid rules—it's about being set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His character, and living in a way that honors Him.
The word "holy" simply means "set apart." When God calls us to be holy, He's calling us to be different from the world—not weird, not self-righteous, not judgmental, but distinctly His. We're called to live by different values, pursue different goals, and embody different character than the culture around us.
Holiness isn't something we achieve through our own effort. It's the work of the Holy Spirit in us, transforming us into Christ's image. Our part is surrender, cooperation, and obedience. His part is the actual transformation. This takes pressure off us and puts confidence in Him.
I grew up in a church culture that defined holiness by external rules—don't wear this, don't go there, don't do that. While some boundaries are wise and biblical, that approach missed the heart of holiness. True holiness starts internally and works outward. It's about the heart, not just behavior. You can follow all the rules and still have a corrupt heart, or you can have a pure heart that naturally produces holy living.
Jesus confronted the Pharisees about this constantly. They were meticulous about external religious observance but neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness—the weightier matters of the law. They looked holy on the outside but were full of hypocrisy inside. Holiness must be authentic, not performed.
Holiness also doesn't mean perfection. We're called to pursue holiness, to grow in it, to cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work—but we'll stumble. The difference between holy living and hypocrisy is honesty. When we fail, we confess quickly, repent genuinely, receive grace freely, and keep pursuing growth.
I've learned that holiness requires intentionality. We must guard what we allow into our minds—what we watch, read, and listen to shapes us. We must guard our relationships—bad company corrupts good character. We must guard our hearts—out of it flows everything in life. Holiness doesn't happen accidentally; it requires conscious choices aligned with God's standards.
Holiness also makes us effective. God uses consecrated vessels—people who've set themselves apart for His purposes. When we live holy lives, our prayers carry power, our witness carries credibility, and our ministry carries anointing. But when we compromise, we limit God's ability to use us.
Some people fear that holiness will make them judgmental or lose their appeal to unbelievers. But true holiness actually attracts people. There's something compelling about authentic godliness—people are drawn to the peace, joy, and love that holiness produces. Jesus was perfectly holy, yet sinners felt comfortable in His presence because His holiness was coupled with love and grace.
The call to holiness isn't optional—it's clear throughout Scripture: "Be holy because I am holy." God doesn't call us to something impossible. He provides both the command and the power to obey it. As we yield to Him, He works holiness in us.
Examine your life today. Where do you need to be more set apart? What compromises need to end? What influences need to be removed? What habits need to change? Don't pursue holiness out of fear or obligation—pursue it out of love for the One who made you His own. Let your life reflect His character and bring Him glory.
Set apart for Him,
Matriarch Elnette Edwards
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