Holiness

Hebrews 12:14 NKJV
[14] Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
Holiness. Mention the word and watch people recoil. Many reject the idea of holiness because it might put a damper on life. To others, it seems to be an aspect of legalism. If you bring up the subject, you’ll often hear, "Well I’m living in God’s grace.”
The New Testament concept of holiness is nothing like these assumptions. It’s a magnificent, desirable way of life. But lately it’s really misunderstood.
Hebrews 12 challenges our assumptions about holiness with the revelation that holiness is what positions us to see God.  If being in God's presence is really our goal then why would we want to avoid the thing that makes it possible? This is why we are encouraged to “pursue” it, which means to chase after with the intent to apprehend.
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament says holiness is to be “set apart for God, to be...exclusively His.”
Before we entered into covenant relationship with Jesus, we were of this world. We pursued status, reputation, and anything else that served our selfishness. But everything is different now. We’re God’s people, and we’re to be set apart for Him. We’re called to be exclusively His.
Not only that, but because we belong to God, we’re also called to live in a new way. Another definition of the Greek word for holiness describes “pure, sinless, upright” behavior.
This aspect of holiness scares some people, but it shouldn’t. God hasn't abandoned us to achieve a righteous lifestyle on our own. He’s given us everything we need.
Choose to pursue holiness. Cast off fake holiness that only leads to legalism. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His Truth to you. Discover an intimate relationship with God unlike any other you've ever known.