In their faithfulness they sanctified themselves unto holiness

“And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:” - 2 Chronicles 31v18

As a part of Hezekiah’s nationwide reform he called for the people in general and the priests in particular to dedicate themselves to the Lord. The priests in particular were charged with setting themselves and their families apart, or sanctifying themselves, to God.

This was apparently a personal dedication of priests and families to the Lord. It reminds me of Joshua’s pledge that “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” For a New Testament principle we can look at Romans 12v1-2; “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Like the priests mentioned above, we too should be willing to sanctify ourselves to holiness as we faithfully serve Him. A puritan write is quoted in “The Valley of Vision” with these applicable thoughts -

“There is much unconquered territory in my nature,scourge out the buyers and sellersof my soul's temple,and give me to return pure desires,and longings after perfect holiness.”

Are we willing to separate ourselves to holiness, forsaking all that the world has to offer, as we faithfully serve the Lord?