Dr Becky Towne

I'm reading a fairly short book by Jack Bernard entitled How to Become a Saint: A Beginner's Guide. I wasn't especially drawn to the book by the title but a friend of mine suggested that I should read it since I'm a "spiritual formation kind of person." Although it took me a while to get started, I have smiled and underlined a lot while reading the cheapest book I ever bought. I think I paid $1.92 for it. The price doesn't reflect the value.

In a chapter called "Perseverance," the author penned a simple sentence that has kept my mind working for days. "Remember that holiness belongs to the church much more than it belongs to individuals."

Bernard's simple sentence and profound perspective has helped me think that holiness as personal achievement misses the point. Holiness has more to do with being undivided toward God as a community of faith. What an interesting perspective. For the last few days, I've been asking myself questions like, "How am I participating with my community in our corporate desire to be undivided before God?" "How much does the 'pursuit' of holiness in the congregation look like love?" "How can I participate in the life of holiness even when others aren't seeing things my way?"

The little song "Holiness, holiness is what I long for . . ." has been playing in my head as an accompaniment to my thoughts. I guess I'm ready to suggest a change in the words: Holiness, holiness is what we long for . . .