Jean-Pierre de Caussade said this (I find it very helpful):
“We will be perfect when we are in complete cooperation with God. The way toward this perfection is slow and hidden from our observation. There are many books written about these things. There are many theories and theological explanations. If we want, we can go to school and learn about all of this. We might even become competent to teach and write about it ourselves. Maybe we will even begin to give others some spiritual direction. To have only an intellectual understanding of our faith is to be like a sick medical doctor living among healthy people.
You don’t need to understand how medicine works in order to be cured. All you have to do is take it. You can be warmed and cheered by a fire without knowledge of combustion and chemistry. If we are thirsty, we want to drink of water rather than a book that explains thirst. Holiness is not the result of study. If we have a thirst for holiness, reading about it will only make us thirstier!”
One of the things I like about this quote is the focus on a slow and sometimes hidden process of holiness. Sure, once a person is justified, they are holy according to God. It is a gift God gives to us via Jesus Christ. Romans says the righteousness of Christ is applied to us. Yet, there is the part of the salvation experience that is process-orientated, meaning it takes time—often a long time—a lifetime. It is good to be reminded of this. Holiness is a lifetime pursuit. Therefore, settle in, give yourselves a little grace and trust God’s work in your life. You might not see the day-to-day change but over long periods of time, you definitely will.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – Colossians 1
- Tuesday – Colossians 2
- Wednesday – Colossians 3
- Thursday – Colossians 4
- Friday – 1 Timothy 1
Please Pray for:
- The people in need of help from the devastating damage from Hurricane Michael.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
- Those that are suffering and grieving.
- Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking.
- The United Methodist Church.