From Sinai's Edge to the Presence: Understanding the 'Way In' Through Holiness

It’s easy to get caught up in the heroic moments, isn't it? We think that to progress in our discipleship—to feel truly *in* the presence of the Spirit—we need a dramatic conversion, a sudden revelation, or maybe even a massive service project to prove our worthiness. We can focus on the big, visible acts of service, the major testimony we’re ready to give, or the big goal we need to achieve in our mission preparation.

But sometimes, the greatest spiritual work is the mundane, the daily sacrifice. It’s the quiet, persistent choice to keep coming closer to Jesus Christ, one day at a time. That’s where the real power of discipleship lies.

I was recently studying the context of the Old Testament—specifically the transition shown in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers—and it hit me how much of our journey as Latter-day Saints mirrors this pattern. Think about it: God’s glory descends upon the Tabernacle, everything is perfect, everything is set up for His dwelling. Yet, remember that Moses, the man who stood at Sinai, couldn't enter the meeting tent because the cloud was settled upon it. He was on the outside.

The key, the central thread woven through the whole narrative, is the word: Holiness. The Lord repeatedly declared, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

This isn't about keeping score or accumulating rules. As we explored in the podcast episode, the principle isn't the detailed application of every ancient law, but the underlying doctrine: God is a holy, divine being. And the principle that flows from that is that we, being His children, are called to strive to be holy in our lives.

This concept of holiness, when we look through the lens of doctrine, principle, and application, becomes a roadmap. It shows us the 'way in'—the way to dwell in God's presence. And what are the major themes Leviticus highlights? Being set apart, sacrifice, purity, and the Atonement. These aren't just ancient rules; they are timeless principles for discipleship.

The Daily Discipline of Being Set Apart

The Hebrew word for holy, *kadosh*, has a meaning that resonates deeply: set apart. To be holy is to be marked for a special purpose—belonging to God. This is the core message of the covenant path.

When we talk about being set apart today, we aren't talking about physical separation from the world (though that can be a part of it!). We are talking about setting apart our hearts, our time, and our focus for Christ. It’s about making daily choices that reflect our covenant commitment, even when no one is watching. It’s the spiritual equivalent of keeping the Sabbath sacred—a day marked apart for the Lord.

“Be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy.”

This principle is vital for every disciple, whether you are in the MTC, serving in the field, or right here at home. It means actively cultivating that sacred space within yourself, making sure that the daily routine doesn't become a spiritual autopilot.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scope of what it means to be Christlike, remember this: you don't have to solve your whole life's problems today. You just have to keep coming closer to Him today. That’s the grace we are taught to rely upon.

I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode on this topic. It really helped frame how these ancient texts point us toward a modern, personal understanding of discipleship.

A Little Challenge for the Rogue Disciple

As you ponder this idea of being 'set apart,' here is a small challenge for this week. I invite you to identify one small, daily habit—maybe it’s the first ten minutes of your day, or your commute—and intentionally dedicate it to Christ. Don't try to overhaul everything; just make that small pocket of time sacred. Treat it like the Sabbath principle in action. It’s a tangible way to practice being set apart.

If you want to dive deeper into these scriptural concepts, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or join a Bible Study Group. Sometimes, wrestling with scripture together is the best way to solidify a principle!