Did you know we are called to live a holy life? In 2 Tim 1:9 we are told that, “He saved us and called us to a holy life.” How do we live a holy life?
We are given the template in the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These are the building blocks, the brick and mortar we use to build a legacy of a holy life.
- Pray first. First thing in the morning; first before everything—before that next appointment or that next call.
- Fast from worry and gossip and doubt. Fast from the drive to achieve at all costs.
- Give alms to help the poor, declaring your solidarity with them. Give first – the very first expense in your budget.
It may be scary to live this way every day, stopping to pray first – especially in public; giving alms – especially to the beggar on the street. It is certainly counter-cultural. St. Francis de Sales said, “Nothing makes us so prosperous in this world as to give alms.” It takes pluck and fortitude. But we are called to live this holy life if we are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ!
That is what stewardship is about, being a disciple. Stewardship is about living according to God’s design for us as the verse in Timothy goes on to say. It is about putting God first in our everyday lives throughout the day.
So take courage, be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord (Ps 27:14). Living a holy life is transforming. Pray for wisdom and all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live this way, to live the holy life He calls us to.
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