Last week I shared this quote from Jean-Pierre de Caussade that said:
“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!”
Another aspect to personal holiness that I find comforting is that one’s intent is important—maybe what is most important. Often people get caught up in “how to” or “what steps are needed,” as if to think that once one has completed the necessary steps then all will be at rest. I’m not sure that is the whole truth for personal holiness. There are definitely things that one does, but equally important is the desire of the person. Maybe the best question is, “Do I want to cooperate with God?” If so, then surely God will be with us in the process of growing in our faith.
For many parents, they are aware of this truth. A child might not perform perfectly and sometimes even get it all wrong. But if the intent is good, pure, or innocent, then the parent is pleased and happy with the child. Why would it be any different when it comes to God? Personal holiness is a process where the intent behind an action is as important as the action itself.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – 1 Timothy 2
- Tuesday – 1 Timothy 3
- Wednesday – 1 Timothy 4
- Thursday – 1 Timothy 5
- Friday – 1 Timothy 6
Please Pray for:
- The people devastated by 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.