Holy: A Life Set Apart for God
"Rather, he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, self-controlled, upright, holy..."
—Titus 1:8
The word “holy” gets thrown around in church circles a lot. We say things like, “God is holy,” or “Live a holy life,” or “That’s a holy person.” But what does it actually mean?
And more specifically—what does it mean for a leader in the Church to be “holy”?
In Paul’s letter to Titus, we find it tucked near the end of a list of qualifications for elders. But it’s no throwaway line. In fact, it may be the most important word of all.
What Does “Holy” Mean?
The Greek word here is ὅσιος (hosios), which means:
“devout, faithful, morally pure, and reverent toward God”
It’s not about outward appearances—it’s about an interior orientation toward God. Holiness, in this context, means a life marked by intimacy with God, reverence for the sacred, and a desire to reflect His character.
To be holy is not to be flawless. It’s to be set apart for God’s purposes—a life that points beyond itself.
Why This Matters in the Church
The Church doesn’t just need leaders who are smart, strong, or skilled. It needs people who are deeply rooted in God.People who are nourished by prayer. Anchored in the sacraments. Alive to grace.
In Catholic tradition, holiness is the universal call of every believer—but it’s especially essential for leaders. The Catechism puts it this way:
“The ministers of Christ must above all be men of prayer, whose holiness of life nourishes their service to others.”
—CCC 1584 (paraphrased from priesthood teaching)
Holiness is the well that everything else flows from. Without it, leadership becomes hollow. But with it, even the most ordinary service becomes sacred.
Jesus, the Holy One
Jesus is called “the Holy One of God” not just because He was morally perfect—but because He was fully aligned with the will of the Father. Every action, every word, every step was soaked in love, obedience, and purpose.
His holiness wasn’t distant or cold—it was relational, humble, and deeply human.
That’s the kind of holiness Paul points to: the kind that draws near to the broken, lives with integrity, and walks closely with God—even when no one else is watching.
A Word for the Ordinary
You may be tempted to think of holiness as something for saints and mystics. But the truth is, every baptized Christian is called to holiness (cf. Lumen Gentium, ch. 5).
You don’t have to wear a collar or live in a monastery. Holiness is forged in the ordinary:
Quiet morning prayers
Forgiving someone who hurt you
Choosing humility over recognition
Living the truth when it would be easier to fake it
And when Church leaders live that way—when they choose holiness over hype—it creates space for others to do the same.
Final Thoughts
When Paul says that a spiritual leader must be “holy,” he’s describing someone who belongs to God. Someone whose life reflects His presence, His purity, and His peace.
In a culture that celebrates charisma and production, holiness reminds us that what matters most is who we’re becoming in the presence of God.
So whether you’re preaching, parenting, teaching, or quietly serving—be holy, for He is holy.
Reflection Questions:
Do I think of holiness as something achievable—or only for spiritual elites?
What daily habits are helping or hindering my growth in holiness?
How can I respond more fully to God’s call to be set apart for Him?
