Living Above Sin: Why Christians Should Strive for Holiness

For Christians, avoiding sin isn’t just about following rules; it’s about staying connected to God and living the life He designed for us. The Bible makes it clear that sin creates a gap between us and God, hinders our spiritual growth, and harms our relationships with others.

First, sin is simply going against God’s commands. In 1 John 3:4, it says, “Sin is lawlessness.” This means that when we sin, we’re breaking God’s laws, which were made for our benefit. God’s commands aren’t meant to limit us—they’re there to protect us and help us live better lives. By choosing sin, we’re turning away from the good plan God has for us.

The Bible also calls Christians to be holy. In 1 Peter 1:16, God says, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a call to live in a way that reflects God’s goodness. Sin makes it harder to live out this calling and keeps us from truly showing who we are as God’s children.

When Jesus died on the cross, He did it to set us free from sin. In Romans 6:1-2, Paul asks, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” Jesus’ death was meant to break the power of sin over our lives, not give us a free pass to keep sinning. When we choose sin, we’re not fully appreciating what Jesus did for us.

Sin also has consequences. Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us that “a man reaps what he sows.” Sin leads to bad outcomes, while living the way God wants leads to life and peace. Ultimately, Christians should avoid sin because it disrupts our connection to God, impedes our spiritual growth, and disregards the sacrifice Jesus made for us.