In Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, the author writes, “We [Christians} are continually to build up patterns and habits of holiness….” (p. 1809). In this section of the book, Grudem is writing about the process of sanctification, and through referencing Hebrews 5:14 he makes the point that no Christian should presume that becoming more Christ-like won’t require effort. Instead, those who follow God will have to actively and intentionally pattern their lives after Him. This is not a one-time endeavor, but a regularly commitment to walk in the way that He did.
The phrase “habits of holiness” may sound strange to some because many people think that being “holy” is reserved for the truly exceptional Christians. Yet I Peter is clear that every child of God is called to be holy (I Peter 1:15). Christians are to become more like the One that they follow. However, like any type of endeavor worth pursuing, becoming more like Jesus does not happen without effort. Maturity in Christ is built upon the practices and the disciplines that are in keeping with His instructions; our sanctification is hastened by the habits of holiness.
Let us not be confused; becoming more like Christ is not what is required for us to be a Christian. Repenting from our sin and placing our trust in Jesus’ work accomplished on the cross and through His resurrection are what is necessary for salvation (Rom 10:9-10). However, those who are saved will want to be more like their Savior; those who are redeemed by Jesus will want to do that which pleases Him. And doing that which pleases Him requires discipline and commitment. It requires a daily turning from what we want to do to what He desires. It requires putting into practice habits of holiness – of reading our Bible, praying, listening to and applying the teaching of God’s Word, engaging in regular fellowship with believers, and more – so that the lives of God’s kids more readily resemble the character of our Heavenly Father.
Precious saints – let us not grow weary in this endeavor. Let us not think that our regular, intentional, and daily disciplines are not making a difference. Instead, let us recognize that God is using what may seem like inconsequential efforts to us to slowly and progressively conform us into the image of His Son. May we grow to treasure the habits of holiness for this reason. May we embrace the fact that it is through the obedience in the “small things” that God grows men and women to be great in His Kingdom.
