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Throughout history, we see that man rises no higher than the aspirations and goals he sets (cf. Genesis 11:1-6-NKJV). If individuals wish to accomplish great feats, they must set goals which are not only reachable, but those goals which inspire them to greater and nobler efforts (cf. Joshua 14:6-14-NKJV).
Men Become Like Their Gods
It is also true that men are like their gods. The heathen gods were figments of the imaginations of the men who engendered them and were therefore possessors of the evil passions of those men (cf. Ezekiel 8:1-18-NKJV). No wonder then, that the worshippers of these gods were so morally degenerate, because they believed their gods were pleased by fornication and gross immorality (cf. Ezekiel 16:1-59-KJV).
The Only True and Living God
Conversely, as Christians, we have the assurance that the only true and living God is our Father and that we are His children (John 1:12-NKJV; Romans 8:14-NKJV; Gal. 3:26-NKJV; Based upon this truth, we are to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1-NKJV).
Moral Values and Behavior
Looking at our moral values and behavior will determine who our god is — either a worldly god or the God of heaven (Matthew 6:24-NKJV; cf. Gal. 1:10-NKJV; 1 Timothy 6:17-NKJV; James 4:4-NKJV; 1 John 2:15-16-NKJV), thus the immorality of our culture is a direct result of the god we worship.
The Belief of Many
Many believe in a god whose character is reflected in no greater goal than sipping a can of beer while playing poker with their buddies. The gods of lust and materialism depicted in television, movies and music videos, have added to degenerated moral values of families, thus destroying family relationships and leaving children floundering in a sea of humanism.
Ungodly Influence in the Lord’s Church
In recent years, the Lord’s church has not remained untouched by these false gods. It’s unfortunate, but even among some so-called followers of Christ, only a mere form of morality remains.
Why did Peter say, “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-NKJV; cf. Leviticus 11:44-45-NKJV; Leviticus 19:2-NKJV; Leviticus 20:7-NKJV). Simply because God’s children need to know that God is holy, and that He expects us to be holy in our character and day-to-day living.
God’s Holiness — A Characteristic to Aspire To
In studying other passages of Scripture, we understand that we will never be as holy as He is (Romans 3:23-NKJV; James 3:2-NKJV; 1 John 1:8-NKJV; 1 John 1:10-NKJV), but that God’s holiness is that character trait to which we must aspire (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:8-13-NKJV; Philippians 1:9-10-NKJV; Philippians 3:12-15-NKJV).
Forgiveness from God is that which makes us pure (1 John 1:9-NKJV), but virtue is that which must be continually practiced in order to attain the heavenly realm (2 Peter 1:2-11-NKJV).
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is this: God says that as His children, we are to be holy because He is holy — and because He is holy, such lofty aspiration will lift us to higher plains of moral courage, enabling us to pursue a holier life, thus glorifying our heavenly Father (Isaiah 43:7-NKJV; Matthew 5:14-16-NKJV; Philippians 2:13-16-NKJV; 1 Peter 2:11-12-NKJV).
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