Who are "the people" referred to here that "He loves"? Who are "Your holy ones" identified as being "in Your hand"? Well, the answer lies in two clues about their behavior that sets them apart: "they followed in Your steps" and "receives of Your words". They are the ones who listen and obey.I read a report produced by The Barna Group titled, "The Concept of Holiness Baffles Most Americans". Normally I wouldn't be too concerned about a poll of "Americans" because that implies a mixture of both Believers and non-Believers alike, meaning that I would expect the views of non-Believers to deviate from those of Believers in a combined poll. However, it's this mixture that IS alarming since on this point there is virtually no mathematical difference between the views of either group! The responses of born again and non-born again adults are virtually identical. When asked to provide a definition of holiness, the most common answer was "I don't know", followed by a wide array of answers. Only 35% responded that "God expects you to become holy", meaning that most don't believe it's even really an important issue.

The report offers some opinions as to what this might mean, but considering the fact that the Bible is becoming less and less important to those who call themselves Christian, I'm not at all surprised to learn of a measurable disconnect between the group and the biblical teaching of holiness. Combine this with the fact that in America there is no statistical difference in the behavior and moral underpinnings of those who attend church and those that don't, it's really not hard to understand that greatly de-emphasizing—if not outright dropping—God's Word is a necessary step towards enabling one to act any way they choose. Without God's Word, one is not presented with the standards of being wholly separated and exclusively devoted — i.e. "holy" — to God.

The demand for holiness carries over into the New Testament as well.

Lord, that we would be an example to everyone of your holiness, the product of receiving Your Word and following in Your steps, so that we will become Your exclusive and dedicated possession, rid of all ties to this world, exclusively bound to You._††_†

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