Leviticus is a tedious book in the Old Testament. I had been reading the Bible at night, but when it came to Leviticus it just wasn’t working. I’d start and my mind would wonder or I’d end up staring off into the distance. Until I finally did what I needed to do in the first place ask God to help me through it and teach me something in the midst of it.

I hear God teaching me, but the actual full learning of the lesson will take a very long time I’m certain. God called His people to be holy in how they acted towards everyone – inside and outside their group. He told them to go above and beyond when they have hurt someone, ruined something they borrowed or spoke ill of someone. They had to return the property, pay the value plus 20%, and then go and make a sacrifice for their wrong doing. God told His people to be aware that sin can be committed unintentionally and therefore as soon as it is recognized – make it right!

God did not stop with behavior to be holy but included eating, bathing, illness, every corner and aspect of life.

Since God does not change, I am certain that He cares about every aspect of my life. Especially since in 1 Corinthians 10:31 we are told to do everything, even eating and drinking, to the glory of God. But now I am left to wrestle with what holiness looks like in action.

In a society that internalizes most thoughts and intentions it does not seem obvious to see holiness around us. But I believe the results are just as obvious now as they were with the Israelites. I do not know if I will ever be in a place again that has such a distinction of people’s hearts in visible action, but I do know what I want God to see overflowing in my heart. God “does not see the same way people see, He looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

I want my life to be shaped by God’s life.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16, The Message

It is also a blessing to know that because of Christ’s resurrection and death, I am covered by his righteousness and holiness and stand blameless before God.  Ephesians 1 and 5:25-27.