God: God Is Holy

God is holy. Perfect. Righteous. In every way.  What more is there to say? "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Every aspect of our morality, our perception of right and wrong, is based entirely on the character of God.  God has no character flaws. And his character defines virtue.  Anything out of sync with God's character is evil.  Everything in accord with God's character is good. Without the holiness of God as its standard, there could be no morality, no universal standard of right and wrong by which to judge conduct.

If there is no God, then there is no basis for morality other than what each individual thinks at the moment. It is entirely subjective and changeable.  Therefore, apart from God there is no such thing as morality.

God's holiness is beautiful. "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple" (Psalm 27:4). As King David said in First Chronicles 16:29, God's perfect character moves us to "worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."

God wants us to strive to emulate his holiness in our lives. Jesus said: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Some people argue that it is impossible for us to be perfect so it's foolish to even try.  You will only be depressed and discouraged by your failure.  But that is not true.  Paul says, "Aim for perfection" (2 Corinthians 13:11). Paul can say that even though he knows we will never achieve it because he also knows that God's grace is perfect.  It covers all our sins and shortcomings so that we don't have to be discouraged by our failures.

What does this mean? If you want to know the difference between right and wrong, don't listen to the world. The world will constantly redefine morality to suit its own selfish whims.  Look to God and his Word. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32). When you want the strength to do the right thing, ask God and He will supply.  With David we should say,  "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" (Psalm 18:32). It is foolish for us to try and do the right thing on our own, or in our own strength. Walk by faith in Jesus, who was Holy for us, and who gives us his Holy Spirit so that we may live holy and God pleasing lives.