Consider for a moment something beautiful that you admire…a piece of artwork or architecture, a glorious sunrise or sunset, a newborn baby, a snow capped mountain, a trickling brook, a well articulated poem, a compassionate word or action, a gifted athlete, or even a splendidly adorned table.

What do they all have in common?

Each has been crafted carefully, prepared and ordered lovingly. Each brush stroke fitly placed, every angle thoughtfully configured, all aspects designed by their creator and intentionally focused to bring joy to their world.

Those who purposely embrace their call to holiness and faithfulness are beautiful reflections of the God who created them for His glory, praise and joy. But, as John Stott once wrote, “Holiness is not a condition into which we drift” (God’s New Society, IVP/1979,p 193).

Therefore a holy life is not something that comes naturally to any of us. A holy and devout life is one that we choose. As a result we become children of God who respond to God’s loving initiatives by our daily intentionality toward faithfulness – and in so doing fulfill our “Rule of Life.”

Your holy life…becoming someone beautiful for God…is not a life we drift toward, but instead a life we choose in and by His mercy. Lean in to God’s loving embrace and wisely order (and then continuously re-order) your heart according to His wisdom, grace, forgiveness and truth. God delights to show you his pathway toward a beautiful, holy life.

“Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.” (Psalm 16:11 from The Message)