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Wisdom Saying
[H]oiliness is not about possessing "the right stuff." Nor is it a code or prescription we must follow. It is more like a habit of being, a certain fullness of life, or "loveliness of the spirit." It is a name for that quality of virtue of which all things or persons fulfill their purpose and reason for being. Yet it does not just "happen." Such holiness ... is the fruit of considerable work and practice.
*Robert Ellsberg. The Saint's Guide to Happiness.
Scripture~Colossians 3.12 (WE)
God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others.
Comments
Ellsberg counters a view of holiness that treats it somewhat like a fundamentalist religious right person would treat it. In this view holiness is a strict way of living, a focus on doing, a rigid morality, a propositional approach to the Bible and life. This so-called holiness replaced Jewish legalism with a Christian legalism.
Rather, holiness is more about a way of being, a life and spirit of beauty, the attractiveness of natural dignity, the fulfilling of created potential in everyday life.
Saints are holy persons, but they are holy for being set apart to God and their choosing that place for God. Saints are not unusual beings unlike you and me. Saints are persons growing into a holiness that is the fulfillment of the love God has for them and their longing to return that love to God.
Reflection
What is the difference between a prescriptive "holiness" and a natural holiness?
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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