It Is More a Gift Than a Reward

April 29, 2020

By David Chang, Director of Ministry Support

With this sheltering in place, you would think now that with all the time saved from commuting, shopping, and going out, it would be easier to do our spiritual disciplines, like reading the Bible, praying, and worshipping God. But full authenticity: not me! I thought now I could read more Scripture, spend more time in prayer, and worship more passionately. But no. There seems to be more distractions, more interruptions, more excuses. 

What’s the matter with me? Doesn’t the Bible say, “Be holy, because I am holy” (Leviticus 11:45b)? Why can’t I be more holy? I need to try harder. 

Then I remembered something that someone shared with me:

Holiness Is

(by Father John Catoir)

Holiness is not something that comes from doing good; 

we do good because we are holy.

Holiness is not something we acquire by avoiding evil; 

we avoid evil because we are holy.

Holiness is not something that follows from prayer; 

we pray because we are holy.

Holiness is not the result of kindness; 

we are kind because we are holy.

Holiness is not something that blossoms when we are courageous; 

we are courageous because we are holy.

Holiness is not the result of character building; 

we build character because we are holy.

Holiness is not a gift we obtain after a lifetime of service; 

we give service because we are holy.

Our holiness is God with us, Emmanuel. And while it’s’ true that holiness carries with it both the Cross and Resurrection, it is more a gift than a reward.

Yes, holiness is a gift; it is not a reward. It comes from spending time with God, and as a result we become more like Him. I keep forgetting this. I forget that Jesus is speaking to me: 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me. Yes, I am holy because You are holy. But I’m not holy because of what I do; I am holy because of who You are. Help me to just walk with You and work with You. Help me to know that as I long I’m keeping company with You, that’s all I need. Amen. 

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