A few years ago, I came across this prayer from Thomas Watson: “Perfume us with holiness and make our hearts a map of heaven.”*

To be holy is to be set apart (i.e. distinct) for God’s special purposes. He calls us to reflect his character in the world. In this sense, holiness is heaven’s map on earth. When we live in a way that reflects the character of God, we are communicating something of the geography and goodness of heaven.

But when people think of holiness, they often have a truncated view of what it means. They think it has to do with unattainable moral perfection or a lack of joy. That’s why it can be helpful to take a second look at some of the biblical teachings. 

For example, gratitude is a part of holiness. Our world is increasingly characterized by entitlement and arrogance. “I deserve this, that and the other thing.” “I’m the best because of A, B or C.”

Not so with the people of God. 

In a letter dedicated in part to describing holiness, the apostle Peter reminds his readers: “you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ…” (1 Peter 1:18-19) The fact that they (and we) are “ransomed” with the most precious thing on earth (Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross) fills us with gratitude.

Then, a few verses later, he talks about how we—as a holy people—are to “love one another earnestly (i.e. fervently) from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). In a culture like ours that promotes a version of love that is either misguided or lukewarm, the fervent love we share with one another is increasingly counter-cultural.

Did you realize that gratitude and fervent love are a part of your holy calling under God?

Let’s not blend. Life is too important for that. 

Holiness is heaven’s map on earth. 

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Notes:

-“Why loving people isn’t the same as liking them.” Click here, or listen on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-*Quoted in: Tim Chester, ed., Into His Presence: Praying with the Puritans (The Good Book Company, 2022), 42.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.