Called to be holy

Was reflecting on God's call for us to be holy tonight - do we make ourselves holy by our choices and actions? If so, where does the inspiration for our choices to do good come from? If not, then what do we DO? How can we be holy, if we don't have to do anything?

After a bit of thinking and praying, I realised that both answers led to the same place.

Yes, we make ourselves holy by the way that we choose to live our life and the actions that we take. How do we know what is right? He tells us in various ways - through His word in the bible, through those around us. We must open our eyes, ears and heart to God, who speaks to us in many ways. He will shape us through the situations that He puts us in, through the example of those around us, and through our reading of His word.

But at the same time, the answer is also "no" - we cannot be holy simply in the life that we lead (on our own). We must open ourselves to allow God to work in our lives... we must make ourselves "passive" enough to allow God to shape us; to allow Him to be the driver in our life, to take us where He wills. In order to do this, we must let go and trust in Him.

What does this mean?

It means that there is a fine balance between taking action and being receptive. It is a fine line between "letting go" and letting God control our life, but also still being proactive enough to do what He asks of us, and living a full life. We must learn to listen for Him - His call is gentle and inviting, not a harsh gong that will hit us over the head. We must not spend our whole lives waiting for some "sign" that will tell us what to do and how to live our lives - instead, we must do the best that we can, pray along the way and listen out for His whispering His directions to us. This is His call for us to be holy.

God's will

GOD'S WILL

I look to the left
and look to the right
no friend beside me
no end in sight

the road is long
the going tough
the heat is burning
the ground is rough

yet no evil will i fear
though doubts assail me
though inner voices cry
and rail and betray me

how could God be this way?
how could He let this be?
why am i in such a bind?
is he, God, out of his mind?

ask not why
but understand
reads a sign by the Spirit
written in the sand

MAKTUB. It is written, so the Alchemist said,
It is God's will.
God's will that you make it alive
much rather than dead.

and so His will unfolded
and i slowly understood
that my path had been made easy
guided and good

so i thanked him heartily
and gave him a smile
and stopped by to linger
and listen a while

to the sounds of laughter
from heaven above
of songs of joy and happiness
and the peace of the Dove

refreshed i continued
taking stride by stride
with newfound interest
and newfound pride

and i know that this journey
when the day is done
will find me in heaven
with the loving Three-in-One