Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

There comes a point in every believer’s journey where we should stop asking, “How much can I get away with and still be saved?” and start asking, “How can I give more of myself to Jesus?” Holiness isn’t about behavior management, it’s about surrender. It’s about saying yes to the Holy Spirit, not just in the parts of our life we’re comfortable with, but in the places we’ve kept off-limits.

I remember a season where I was doing “good things for God,” but my schedule, my rest, and even some of my ambitions still belonged to me. I hadn’t fully given God my calendar or my craving for control. I was stewarding my gifts but not necessarily my temple. And slowly, the Spirit began to convict me, not in shame, but with an invitation to deeper alignment.

Holiness is not perfection. It’s wholeness. It’s handing over your future, your desires, your time, and your trust, even when fear wants to hold onto them. The Holy Spirit doesn’t force His way in; He waits for our invitation. When we submit, He fills.

So let me ask:

  • Are there areas of your life that the Holy Spirit has been nudging you to surrender?
  • Are there desires you’ve been holding back because of fear, or timelines you’ve been trying to control?
  • What would it look like to let the Holy Spirit lead not just your Sunday, but your schedule, your screen time, your relationships, your budget, your whole self?

 

Pursuing holiness is less about what we’re trying to avoid and more about who we’re becoming. It’s the daily decision to say, “Lord, make me more like You, even if it costs me comfort, convenience, or control.”

Listening Prayer:
Holy Spirit, is there any area of my life or future that I haven’t given over to You? Show me where fear, selfish desire, or distraction may be resisting Your leadership. I want to be fully Yours.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I surrender. I give You my will, my desires, my time, and my plans. I want to be holy, not for appearance, but for intimacy. Not just clean but filled. Forgive me for holding onto parts of my life that should’ve been laid on the altar long ago. I choose to submit, to let You lead, and to be transformed. Help me to steward my temple in a way that honors You. Purify my motives, redirect my affections, and make me whole. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources: Bible verses on Holiness:

 2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Worship Songs: