Journal: Why Be Holy?

14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  16 for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." -- 1 Peter 1:14-16

"Why be holy?"  This question was raised at the beginning of the class that I took last month (Spiritual Formation).  It caught me off guard and startled me spiritually.  I really hadn't given any serious thought to the question.  I know the theological answers to holiness and the inseparable topics of justification and sanctification, but I hadn't ever asked myself about being holy in this way.

I suppose a good Lutheran answer to this question would run along the lines of "Why concern yourself with being holy, you are already holy."  As true as the latter part of this statement is, it avoids the question.  That isn't too surprising.  As strong as we are on justification, Lutherans tend to stumble over the real life outworking of sanctification.  Still, I don't want to answer this question according to the demands of the Law.  I can't find the reason for being holy in a command to be holy.  That will lead to failure, frustration, and guilt, not holiness.  But, because the Gospel doesn't demand anything of us, the call to be holy -- if it is a serious call -- must be understood as the Law in its third use, which takes me back to the sanctification struggle of my theological tradition.

I think the best answer to the question "Why be holy?" is another question: "Why not be holy?"  It's a tremendous blessing that I can even consider being holy.  Most people in this world know nothing of Christ and His mercy.  They can't give any serious thought to being holy.  But in Christ I have been given the privilege, opportunity, and ability to live a holy life to His glory.  I'd be foolish to let this blessing pass by me.  After all, in holiness there is true joy and only in holiness is there genuine peace.  Holiness is love expressed and love being expressed.  Holiness offers only good things and requires the sacrifice of nothing of value.  Why be holy?  The real question is, "Why be anything but holy?"