Living Holy in an Unholy Culture

In today’s culture, it can feel confusing and even conflicting to know how to live as a Purposeful Daughter. On one hand, you want to walk in holiness and obedience, pursing a purposeful life that truly honours God. On the other, there’s a constant pull to stay relevant, fit in, and not feel “out of place” in the world around you. From social media influencing how we see beauty and success, to peer pressure around relationships, partying, or compromise in career choices, today’s culture often celebrates things that directly conflict with God’s call for us as Purposeful Daughters. We may go as far to say that holiness feels impossible or even outdated. Maybe you’ve even wondered: Is holiness still God’s standard today?

Firstly, we must understand that when we give our lives to Jesus, we are made holy. Holiness isn’t something we have to chase after, or strive to become; it’s who we are in Him (Hebrews 10:10) as soon as we accept Him as our Lord & Saviour. Our responsibility, then, is choosing to live in a way that reflects this. In other words, it our job to walk in holiness, living in alignment with the identity God has already given us in Christ. So yes, holiness is still God's standard for us today. But what exactly does it mean to 'walk in holiness'?

When you hear 'walking in holiness', you might picture:

• Strict rules, like “Christians can’t dance, wear makeup, or enjoy music.”
• Legalism, where holiness feels like a long checklist of dos and don’ts.
• Perfectionism, believing you must never fail or make mistakes.

But here’s the truth: that isn’t holiness.

The word 'holy' comes from the Hebrew word qadosh and the Greek word hagios which both mean “set apart, sacred, or different.” Whenever God called something holy, He was calling it sacred and set apart exclusively for His use - and that's exactly what He say's about us too. 

Walking in holiness isn’t about following a set of do’s and don’ts, legalism or an outward performance of perfectionism. It's about recognising that we are sacred, different and set apart, and living according to this truth. It’s about walking in obedience to God’s Word and refusing to conform to the ways of the world so that we are available for His special use.

So, when the world says, “Do what makes you happy,” you decide to live sacred, different and set apart by denying yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus, choosing His will over your own. (Luke 9:23)

When the world says, “Sex before marriage is normal, everyone’s doing it,” you decide to live sacred, different and set apart by honouring God with your body, trusting His design for purity and obedience. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

And when the world says, “Forgive only if they deserve it,” you decide to live sacred, different and set apart by extending grace and forgive freely, just as Christ has forgiven you. (Colossians 3:13)

Firstly, as previously mentioned, although Jesus has already made us holy, it's our responsibility to walk in holiness. In fact, God commands us to walk in holiness. Hebrews 12:14 tells us that we should 'work at living a holy life' because without holiness, we will not see the Lord. 

Secondly, when we decide to walk in holiness, being transformed by the Spirit of God rather than conforming to the ways of the world, we prove what is the good and acceptable will of God (Romans 12:2). In other words, when we live holy lives, it allows us to discern God’s will clearly and demonstrate through our lives that His will is truly good, acceptable, and perfect.

Thirdly, the Bible tells us 'the whole world is under the control of the evil one' (1 John 5:19). In other words, the world and it's culture is under the influence of values, systems, and temptations that are opposed to God. This is why living holy lives matters so much. When we choose to live holy lives, set apart from sin and dedicated to God, we refuse to come under the influence of the enemy and instead align ourselves with God’s kingdom.

Lastly, and most importantly, walking in holiness positions us to walk fully in the purpose God designed for us. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's masterpiece, made new in Christ Jesus so we can do all of the good things that God planned for us long ago. There are special and amazing things in this life that God has planned for us to do, but we can't do them if we are living unholy lives. When we live set apart, sacred lives, God can use us exactly as He created us to be used.

Now that we've discussed the what & why, the question is how? How do we actually live holy in an unholy culture? 

Here are 8 powerful daily habits that will help you grow in holiness and live set apart for God: 

Surrender to the Holy Spirit - Walking in holiness isn’t something we achieve on our own, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Our part is to make a daily choice to surrender, allowing Him to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. As we do, He empowers us to walk in step with God’s will.

Guard Your Mind - What we take in shapes how we think and live. Being careful about what we watch, listen to, and dwell on protects us from compromise and keeps our focus on God.

Stay Rooted in God's Word - Scripture is the foundation of a holy life. The more we fill our hearts with God’s Word, the more we are equipped to resist temptation, walk in obedience and live in alignment with His truth.

Pray Continually - Prayer keeps us connected to God’s presence and strengthens us to live set apart. Holiness grows when we invite Him into every area of our lives.

Choose Obedience Daily -  Every day we are faced with choices, and each one is an opportunity to either follow the ways of the world or align ourselves with God’s truth. The only way we can truly walk in holiness is by walking in obedience to God’s Word.

Surround Yourself with Godly Community - We weren’t meant to walk this journey alone. Being part of a community that encourages, sharpens, and holds us accountable helps us stay strong in holiness.

Practice Repentance and Grace - Walking in holiness doesn’t mean we’ll never stumble. When we do, repentance restores us, and God’s grace reminds us that His mercy is greater than our failures.

Live with Eternal Perspective - Holiness requires lifting our eyes above temporary pleasures and focusing on what truly matters: eternity with Christ.

In a culture that constantly pressures us to blend in, walking in holiness is one of the most powerful choices we can make as women of God. It protects our purpose, deepens our intimacy with Him, and positions us to be used fully in the way He designed us. Holiness is not a burden; it is our calling, our identity, and our greatest privilege.

Scriptures To Meditate On:

Hebrews 10:10
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

1 Peter 1:15–16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

2 Corinthians 7:1
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Romans 12:1–2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”