Take Time to Be Holy

By William D. Longstaff

Lyrics

1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Bible Reference

1 Peter 1:16

About This Hymn

"Take Time to Be Holy" is a deeply reflective hymn that encourages the believer to prioritize communion with God and the pursuit of holiness in everyday life. It was written by William Dunn Longstaff, a wealthy English businessman who was also a committed Christian and philanthropist. Inspired by a sermon he heard on the theme of holiness, particularly based on 1 Peter 1:16, Longstaff took the biblical exhortation seriously and penned this hymn to serve as both a reminder and a guide for the Christian life. The hymn was first published in The Hymnal in 1890 and has remained a staple in many hymnals across denominations.

The hymn emphasizes the importance of spending time with God in prayer and in His Word. It reminds the Christian that holiness is not achieved through haste or worldly pursuits, but through consistent, quiet fellowship with Christ. Each stanza builds on this theme, urging believers to reflect Christ in their conduct, to be mindful of others, and to walk faithfully with God. The phrase “take time” suggests intentional effort, as holiness is not accidental but cultivated through discipline and devotion.

Musically, the hymn is often paired with the tune “Holiness” by George C. Stebbins (1846–1945), a well-known American gospel composer. Stebbins' gentle, meditative melody complements Longstaff’s thoughtful lyrics, reinforcing the hymn’s quiet call to personal sanctification. Together, the text and tune make this hymn a treasured tool for personal reflection and consecration. It has encouraged generations of Christians to withdraw from the noise of the world and draw near to God in quiet reverence and obedience.