Every Thanksgiving that I can remember my mother’s table has been set with special dishes that are only used when we are having a holiday turkey. These plates and platters have a special pattern on them called His Majesty that communicates exactly what they are intended for. Here it is!

When you look at His Majesty you know the exact purpose the set was created for. Eating a special turkey dinner! That set of dishes was handed down to my mother from her mother. Over the years it really hasn’t faded and, as far as I know, no pieces have broken. It’s only used once or twice a year and is carefully preserved for the next special dinner. It’s set apart for a special purpose and is treasured for that purpose.

His Majesty is set apart and only comes out once a year, but my husband and I have a pair of mugs that are set apart and used several times a week. This particular pair of mugs was a wedding gift and over our 31 years these mugs have become a reminder of the promise that we made to each other all those years ago. We only use them together. I don’t grab one of those mugs if I am making myself a cup of tea in the middle of the day. They are reserved for times when Tom and I are enjoying our morning coffee together, or when we have a had a special dinner and want to cap it off with some dessert coffee, or even for a cup of afternoon tea together. The key word there is “together.” These mugs are set aside for the special purpose of using them together and we use them regularly.

Like that cherished set of dishes or the precious set of mugs, you are set apart for a special purpose. That’s what it means to be holy. And when you decided to say YES to God He set you apart and said “This one is mine.” Holy. Set apart for God’s purpose.

“But,” you may be asking, “what is my purpose?” That’s a good question. Purpose is not only found in knowing what I’m called to do, but in knowing who I am called to be. When I have a deeper sense of my identity in Christ, I have more confidence in moving forward to fulfill my destiny. My destiny is just as much about becoming who I was born to be as it is about doing what I was created to do.

It may take some time alone with God to determine what you were created to do, and, honestly, what you do will change depending on the season of life you are in. However, I can tell you for certain what you are called to be: You are called to be God’s. Simply to be His. To be with Him.

Just as Tom and I use our mugs to remind us that we go together, one of your chief purposes is to demonstrate to all those around you that you go with God. Your everyday choices can cloud that purpose or make it shine brightly. You were created to be a reflection of what God is like, to show this broken world that there is a God who loves His own and is actively involved in their lives.

When you and I live with a constant awareness of His presence, and when we live in such a way that those around us can see it, we are living holy lives.

Holy is not about “do’s” and “don’ts”. It’s about being His. When You and I focus on that, we will be holy. Set apart to be His.

Key Thought: To be holy is to be His.

A Scripture to consider:

And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. Acts 20:32

A YES challenge: What would you need to change to live in a way that makes clear to all around you that you are His.

Prayer:

Lord, I thought holy was something that I did, but I am realizing that it is something I am. You have set me apart as Your own. That blows my mind! Help me to live in a way that shows everyone that I belong to You. Amen.