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In the first centuries of the Church, the strongest argument for Christianity was not theological but moral. Athenagoras (2nd Century), a Christian philosopher from Athens, wrote: "Among us are uneducated folk, artisans, and old women who are utterly unable to describe the value of our doctrines in words, but who can attest them by their deeds." (Bruce L. Shelly, Church History in Plain Language)
The notable Pliny the Younger, governor of Pontus-Bithynia 111-113, along with many pagans, were converted to the Christian faith by witnessing the holy character of Christians. Pliny testified, to the Emperor Trajan, that during his examination of Christians he had not found anything criminal or mean in them. Rather, the faithfulness of Christians convinced him of their purity; these impressions were decisive in leading him to confess faith in Christ Jesus.
A primary means of holiness of character among early Christians, developed principally among hermits and monastics, was ascesis. The ascetic withdrew attention from sensual pleasures to concentrate mind and heart upon the Divine Spirit. Asceticism led to a progressive cleansing of total self, so the Christian could attain, through Grace, the purity that made possible communion and union with the Holy Trinity.
Christians continued the focus on holiness from their Jewish forbears. They continued, also, the basis of the motivation and reason for such holiness:, which was more than to be good citizens or live at peace with others. The moral code of the Jews and the ethic of the Church are grounded in the Divine being: we are to be holy, for God is holy.
St. Paul spoke to the church at Corinth these words: My friends, God has made us these promises. So we should stay away from everything that keeps our bodies and spirits from being clean. We should honor God and try to be completely like him. (II Corinthians 7.1, CEV) This is the ascesis all Christians are to practice, daily. And, of note is St. Paul's continuing affirmation that sin is not simply a spiritual matter, so to speak. Rather, unholiness contaminates the whole person, for we are unities, not parts.
St. Paul in I Thessalonians 3.12-13 focuses on holiness, linking it with loving everyone and the end time. He writes: 12And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow to each other and to everyone else, just as our love overflows toward you. 13As a result, Christ will make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy when you stand before God our Father on that day when our Lord Jesus comes with all those who belong to him. (NLT) Holiness, therefore, is presented as the natural state of those enjoying eternal life, now, and prepared for death, as well as an end to history as we now know it.
Let us not turn from the pursuit of holiness as though it would turn us into a religious freak, a pietistic anomaly. The excesses of moralism only heighten need for a true holiness, a revival of such holiness in the life of the churches and its leaders, one attractive to all persons who aspire to live well. Indeed, this true holiness that is so unlike much religious moralism is, in the description of Syrian Church Father, Pseudo-Macarius (c. 400), "a glory and beauty and an indescribable heavenly richness." Yes, a holiness so beautiful would attract persons to Christ, and much more convincing would it be than our theology to the leading of persons to the love of Christ, the one the early Church called the Lover of Humankind.
Reflection
In your own words define true holiness? Contrast this with what you see as false holiness.
Who do you know that impresses you as especially, truly holy? What do you find holy about that person?
Do you consider yourself to be a person of holy character? Explain.
*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God. The Peace of Christ be with you, and all!
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