How To Live A Life Of Holiness
‘Holiness is in right action and in defense of others who cannot help themselves.’ The Kingdom of Heaven – The Movie
When we use the word holiness we could be mistaken to only think of cathedrals, white clothing, religious ceremonies, monasteries, austerity, confinement, abstinence, and so much more.
And yet I would like to enlighten you by expanding your thinking when it comes to the term holiness.
By way of definition holiness is the quality of being holy. It speaks of purity and Godliness. The word holy is also related to the word whole. So when we think of holiness it refers to wholeness, and that holiness is to be an all encompassing part of our whole life.
But let’s get back to the defining quote at the top of this page.
1. Holiness Is In Right Action
‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ Dr Martin Luther King
But how can you define right action?
When it comes to dealing with other people ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. It’s all about treating others with respect; exactly the same as you would wish to be treated.
When it comes to dealing with day to day situations that you face, it comes down to following your conscience. It’s all about doing in the dark what you would be found doing in the light.
It’s about truth not lies. Responsibility not irresponsibility. It’s about being trustworthy, reliable and consistent.
And in the words of an anti-litter campaign that was run in my country some years ago - ‘Do the right thing!’
2. Holiness Is In The Defense Of Others Who Cannot Help Themselves
‘Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight.’ James 1:27
To be holy, or to be whole as a human being, is to live not only for ourselves, but to remember that we must also live for a cause that is far greater than ourselves.
We have a responsibility to share the wealth that we have, the love that we have, the opportunities we have, and the experiences we have – with others.
It’s not just about the get. It is so much more about the give. And in the giving is the joy.
And in the giving is the holiness.
