In the original language, the term set apart comes from the roots (apo–which means separation; and horizō–which means to define or mark out). So set apart (aphorizō) means to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate; set apart for some purpose.
Think about that. Our lives are to be marked by the standards God has set for us. We are to love what God loves (Psalm 119:113) and hate what God hates (Psalm 97:10). God in no way wants us to be double-minded. Our loyalties can’t be in two places. No man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).
So, what exactly is the standard that God has set for us? We find that standard in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Interestingly enough, the word holy (hagios) means that those whom God has selected out of the world (John 17:16), under the influence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, are rendered holy, positionally because we are in Christ, and then because of that position, practically, in how we live (“be holy in all your conduct”). There are four words to describe the word conduct (anastrophē) in the original language.
- Manner of life: speaks of habitual conduct
- Conduct: standard of personal behavior especially as based on moral principles
- Behavior: the way in which something functions or operates
- Deportment: to behave especially in accord with a code
“You shall be holy, for I am holy”. That’s a command, not a suggestion. So, as we live our lives, let’s make sure our standard in all we are and all we do is God. We have been set apart by God, to be in the world, not of the world.