Take Time to Be Holy

The Story Behind "Take Time to Be Holy"

Born into a wealthy English home, all of William Longstaff’s needs were met.  But in the early 1880s, the disaffected businessman heard a missionary preach the words of 1 Peter 1:16: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  During the service, he accepted Christ as Savior, and discovered the One who provides peace in place of spiritual poverty.

If he were alive today, some might even label Longstaff an influencer—at least in evangelical circles. Why? William Longstaff served as treasurer in his local church and was a generous benefactor for the ministry of his friend, William Booth, who founded the Salvation Army. Many of Longstaff’s other hymns were featured in the organization’s publication, the War Cry. The businessman-turned-poet also financed Dwight L. Moody’s missionary efforts. As a result of his philanthropy, more than 20,000 people heard the Word of God during Moody’s journeys.

Years later, while reflecting on the sermon that altered his life, Longstaff penned "Take Time to be Holy"—a 19th century version of a “how-to” guide. He shared the poem with Moody’s choir director and famous singer, Ira D. Sankey. Impressed, Sankey passed the prose to prolific composer, George Stebbins. The song enjoyed its introduction to a congregation during a revival in India.

"Take Time to Be Holy" as a How-To Guide

A hymn rich with doctrinal references and practical tips, "Take Time to Be Holy" outlines a day-to-day roadmap that helps the Christian grow in faith and relationship with the Lord. Let’s consider some of the practical tips embedded in the song’s lyrics.

• Biblical Tip #1

Stanza one reads, “Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.”

These words reflect 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV), “…pray without ceasing” and Ephesians 6:18 which exhorts us to pray “…always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”

This beautiful verse also reminds us to ingest the Word of God.  We need spiritual manna. Jesus once said, “Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” (John 6:31NIV)

Meg Bucher writes, “John begins his gospel account with, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Christ is our nourishment. Like those who wandered in the desert, desperate for provision, we must seek and devour the Word. Only He can satiate our deepest hunger.

The next portion of the verse reflects Psalm 91:1 (NKJV), “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

A quick search of these verse reveals that the secret place probably references the holiest area in the tabernacle. It indicates inner court worship; the area to which only the High Priest had access.

If you believe in Jesus as Lord, you no longer identify as an outsider relegated to outer court worship. Draw near. Take joy in the intimacy and protection of the secret place.

• Biblical Tip #2

The next quatrain reminds us that “by looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified), echo’s William Longstaff’s poem, “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.”

In a culture consumed by self-actualization and personal manifestation, this hymn urges us to reflect God’s goodness and glory—not our own.

• Biblical Tip #3

William Longstaff understood that life operates on dual tracks of pleasure and pain. The third section of "Take Time to Be Holy" captures this idea.

“In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.”

Today, I spoke with a grieving young father who lives with the loss of his infant son. Vulnerable about his heartache he said, “I have a Noah-sized hole in my heart.” This precious daddy chooses to follow Jesus. To trust the Lord is good. To recognize circumstances, but acknowledge that, despite the tragic loss of a beloved infant, God’s character remains steadfast. Loving. Merciful.

Like our Savior, the One known as “the Man of sorrows,” we will all face loss. But, as Christiana Fox shares, “Whatever trial, hardship, or suffering we experience, Christ is our hope. He is the answer…”
 

• Biblical Tip #4

The most repeated refrain in this hymn tells us, “Take time to be holy.”

These words, drawn from Leviticus 11:44 and 1 Peter 1:16, are those the missionary spoke in William Longstaff’s presence. Like the man who longed for purpose, do we desire holiness? Do we crave a transformation of behavior, thoughts, and lifestyle that identifies us with the Jesus?

The Promise of "Take Time to Be Holy"

More than a century after William Longstaff penned "Take Time to Be Holy," its melody lingers on Sunday mornings as choirs and congregations repeat the instructive words. The song reminds us to create space in our lives for the disciplines of the faith while we cling to hope of tomorrow.

“Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.”

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning

Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace
And more!