Striving for Holiness

Hebrews 12:14 points out the critical importance of holiness in the life of the believer. This is actually a command and not a mere suggestion: the believer must make it a priority to live a holy life.

A Call to Prioritize Holiness 

Holiness, in this context, refers to living a life set apart for God—a life characterized by purity, obedience, and an ongoing relationship with Him. Hebrews 12:14 instructs believers to “strive” for holiness which carries the implication of a deliberate and determined effort. The Greek word used here is “diōkō,” which refers to the pursuit of something with intensity and persistence. We get a picture of a runner pressing toward a finish line with no room for complacency.

Believers are called upon to make holiness their ultimate pursuit. The verse points out that this is actually a prerequisite for seeing God. We are talking about working towards aligning every aspect of our lives with God’s will as revealed in Scripture and ensuring that this alignment reflects in our moral conduct.

Contrasting Priorities in Contemporary Churches 

Unfortunately, many churches today go against this Biblical instruction and emphasize earthly success over spiritual growth. Messages nowadays tend to centre and emphasize prosperity, material wealth, and personal achievement rather than the pursuit of holiness. Here are samples of messages that dominate our Kenyan pulpits:

1. “God wants you to be blessed in every area of your life. Prosperity is not just about money but about living a fulfilled and abundant life.”
2. “True faith in God will lead to material wealth and physical well-being. God’s blessings are not limited to spiritual growth alone.”
3. “Believe in God’s favour and provision. He wants you to live a life of abundance and success.”
4. “God’s plan for you includes financial prosperity. Trust in Him, and you will see doors of opportunity open for you.”

Nowhere does the Bible instruct the believer to strive to be rich and famous in this world. Such messages overshadow the Bible’s call to holiness. This appeal to human desires for comfort and success ultimately becomes a distraction from the pursuit of eternal life.

The Meaning of “Strive” 

Let’s take another look at the Greek word “diōkō” used in Hebrews 12:14. The word speaks of intense effort, which can include persecution, so as to reach a goal. The word conveys urgency and purpose, an active exertion that is an ongoing process. Believers are called upon to work toward achieving holiness with the same determination as one does when fleeing danger or chasing after a treasure.

Hebrews 12:14 is a call to action. We are charged to examine our priorities. Are we making the acquisition of holiness our top priority, or have we been led astray by the false teachings that promote superficial spirituality and emphasize worldly desires?

The Danger of False Teachings 

Teachings that prioritize material wealth and personal success over spiritual maturity run rampant in our pulpits. They lead congregations astray by creating a false sense of spiritual security and blinding adherents to the eternal consequences of their choices.

One cannot focus on prosperity, health, and happiness and at the same time experience the transformative power of holiness. This is because the requisite practices of sacrifice, self-denial, and unwavering commitment to God’s will can never merge with such an earthly, temporal focus.

Conclusion 

Hebrews 12:14 challenges believers to make holiness their life’s priority. This call stands in stark contrast to the prosperity-driven messages that dominate many pulpits today. Striving for holiness requires a deliberate, relentless effort that goes beyond superficial religiosity. 

As Christians, we must heed the warning in Hebrews 12:14 and reject teachings that compromise the truth of the gospel. Holiness is not just a requirement—it is the pathway to seeing the Lord and experiencing the fullness of life in Him. Let us press on, pursuing holiness with unwavering dedication, as we await the day we will stand in His presence.