1 Peter 1:16 AMP | “Because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.”

Holiness is the nature of God. It means to be sanctified and set apart for a sacred use. It means the world not having a hold on one. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14) Only the pure in heart can see Him. Only those whose affection are for Him alone can experience Him intimately.

Israel was to be consecrated and abstain from sexual relations before they could meet God. (Exodus 19:10,15) Couples were enjoined to suspend sex during times of prayer. (1 Corinthians 7:5) In other words, something like sex, as honourable as it is within the bonds of marriage, can hinder prayers, and sabotage intimacy with God. How much more for the unmarried!

To meet and experience God, we must be set apart from all that profanes us, and set apart unto the One who makes us Holy. We are to seek Him with an undivided heart, and not let anything else, no matter how blessed or wonderful it may be, distract us from Him. Receive grace!