The most common definition of holiness I hear today has to do with being set apart to God. It's a good definition, but it doesn't apply to God in the same way, i.e. we don't say God is separated unto God. Holiness is defined a bit differently when applied to Him.
Some years ago a definition for holiness occurred to me that works both for God and for us: holiness is absolute integrity of character. The phrase I use to remember it by is: "no compromise".
In terms of who God is, holiness means He will not compromise His character in any way. He will not compromise His righteousness, justice, love, faithfulness, etc. He will not break His promises. He will always remain true to who He says He is. Holiness is the overarching trait that all His other character attributes operate under.
In terms of ourselves, we are to be uncompromisingly like Him in character (...impossible without the Holy Spirit). And as set apart to God, we are not to compromise our devotion to Him. If we are bought with a price, we are not to serve the world or our own self-interests... ever. (Again, impossible without the Holy Spirit's work.)
Holiness is lived out in day-to-day practical ways. This is not done religiously like the Pharisees and their nit-picky rules and separation from sinners. It is like Job regularly interceding for his family, helping the widows and orphans, seeking justice for the stranger, etc. It is living like our Savior: being in the world, but not of it.
Some years ago a definition for holiness occurred to me that works both for God and for us: holiness is absolute integrity of character. The phrase I use to remember it by is: "no compromise".
In terms of who God is, holiness means He will not compromise His character in any way. He will not compromise His righteousness, justice, love, faithfulness, etc. He will not break His promises. He will always remain true to who He says He is. Holiness is the overarching trait that all His other character attributes operate under.
In terms of ourselves, we are to be uncompromisingly like Him in character (...impossible without the Holy Spirit). And as set apart to God, we are not to compromise our devotion to Him. If we are bought with a price, we are not to serve the world or our own self-interests... ever. (Again, impossible without the Holy Spirit's work.)
Holiness is lived out in day-to-day practical ways. This is not done religiously like the Pharisees and their nit-picky rules and separation from sinners. It is like Job regularly interceding for his family, helping the widows and orphans, seeking justice for the stranger, etc. It is living like our Savior: being in the world, but not of it.