In the middle of Leviticus where the laws are given to the Israelites, God describes Himself and tells what He does so that we can do what He wants us to do.

“So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD (Jehovah) your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD (Jehovah) who makes you holy.” Leviticus 20:7,8 (NLT)

God is so gracious that when He tells us what He wants us to do, often He also shares what He will do to help us.

Here’s what the instruction and command from these two verses in Leviticus looks like:

My part? Consecrate myself (dare, set my heart) to be holy (clean, different from the world around me). Observe (keep guard, attend to) His regulations (the things He has prescribed for me) and obey (do) them.

His part? HE is Jehovah, my God, the self-existing One. He sanctifies me. We don’t use that word often, but it means “sets me apart and makes me clean.” When I wash dishes and put them into the cabinet to use them at the next meal, I have sanctified them for their next task. God knows that there’s a lot of things in this world that can mess me up but He promises to come into my time and space and become involved with me so that my life can be different. He gives me directions to keep from the harmful things around me. He displays His lovingkindness and goodness through nature. His Holy Spirit speaks to my soul and comforts me, reminding me that the Eternal God loves me and wants me to turn my face to Him.

How do I do my part? Remember He sets me apart. He starts the process and He gives me what I need to live “set apart/different.” Is it easy? Not always, but He never leaves me. If I forget to do my part, He is always willing to accept my sincere remorse and start again. When I live within His boundaries and follow His directions, my life may have its shares of disappointments, sorrow, and suffering, but it will also be a joyful, creative, purposeful life that helps draw others to His wonderful plan for their lives too.

Have you every experienced this promise God makes to you?