DAY 7: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS HOLY
…concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 1:3–4
DEVOTION
There’s a popular phrase in sports culture: “He’s different!”
I was recently asked how NBA superstar Stephen Curry can shoot the basketball at such a high level. My response was simple: “He’s different.” Of course, that difference did not develop by accident. His extraordinary ability is matched by an extraordinary work ethic. Countless hours of disciplined practice have helped set him apart.
In an infinitely greater way, God is different. He does not become different through effort—He is eternally and inherently holy. The Hebrew word qadosh and the Greek word hagios communicate the idea of being set apart. God is completely distinct from everything He has created.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:8–9
God is not simply a better version of us. His wisdom is perfect, His character is pure, and His ways are higher than ours. He is altogether different. He is holy.
In Isaiah’s vision of the Lord, the seraphim called to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” — Isaiah 6:3
John witnessed a similar scene in Revelation, where the four living creatures never cease to declare, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8). Heaven erupts in this threefold proclamation because there is no one like our God.
This is also true of the Holy Spirit. Paul calls Him “the Spirit of holiness” (Romans 1:4). Holiness is not merely part of His title; holiness is His nature. Everything He says, does, and produces is holy.
When the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, He begins making us more like Jesus. Through the Holy Scriptures, He reveals truth. He convicts us of sin, leads us to repentance, and transforms the way we think, speak, and live. The Holy Spirit works within us to produce a holy life.
Through faith in Jesus, we have already been set apart as God’s holy people. Yet in our daily lives, the Spirit continues shaping our conduct to reflect who we have become in Christ.
Peter writes:
“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct… ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’” — 1 Peter 1:15–16
God’s call to holiness is not intended to rob us of joy—it leads us into the life we were created to live. Holiness leads to happiness. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in you that does not reflect Jesus, and trust Him to make you increasingly holy—because the Holy Spirit is holy.
“The Holy Spirit’s main ministry is not to give thrills but to create in us Christlike character.” —J. I. Packer
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, You are holy, and there is no one like You. Thank You for living within me and setting me apart for God’s purposes. Reveal anything in my heart that does not reflect Jesus and His holiness and give me the strength to turn from it. Transform my thoughts, words, desires, and actions so that my life displays Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
NEXT STEP
Ask the Holy Spirit: “What is one area of my life You want to make more like Jesus?” Write down what He brings to mind and take one practical step of obedience today.
