Pursue Holiness

Week 44, Thursday

Dorothy Patterson

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:16-17 (nkjv)

In the Old Testament, humility often indicates lowliness or even affliction (see Psalm 9:12). In the New Testament, the word may also suggest a demeanor that assumes dependence upon God and respect for others. This character quality resulting in a holy and set-apart lifestyle does not naturally evolve from human instinct but is a spiritual discipline achieved with determined obedience to follow the Lord’s principles.

Some religious monasteries have been luxurious and those who inhabited them indulgent. The French painter Victor Marais-Milton (1872–1948) enjoyed painting scenes from the lives of Catholic cardinals. His colorful compositions showed their luxurious living. In the oil painting A Tasty Bite, the cardinal, surrounded by tapestries and antique furnishings, devoted his life to serving God and yet is sitting at a table draped with elegant linens trimmed in lace, savoring a beautifully garnished lobster accompanied by a glass of wine.

On the other hand, Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha (who died around 480 BC), abandoned his position and wealth and refused all association with the comforts of life. At one point in his life, Siddhartha was very cynical and taught that all desires of life were evil and that the human spirit found salvation only by escaping from that life. Nevertheless, he later came to see that ascetic practices in and of themselves do not lead to spiritual power.[i]

The sinfulness of self-indulgence as depicted by the French painter’s scene is understandable. However, the danger of self-deprivation projected by men like Siddhartha is not so clearly meaningless. To make a great sacrifice, to retire from a life of pleasure, or to put aside earthly responsibilities is not a sure path to heavenly reward.

The wiser path is to pursue holiness. Thank the Lord for His provision of necessities and extras. Ask God, without hesitation or guilt, for what you need for life and sustenance (see Luke 11:3). Cultivate an attitude of gratitude to all who supply your needs and bless your life and to God Himself who is ultimately the Provider of what you receive (see Colossians 3:15-17).

Thank You, Lord, for Your provision. My trust is in You and You alone. Amen.

[i] Brooke Noel Moore and Kenneth Bruder, Philosophy: The Power of Ideas (Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing, 1990), 575.