“Make Every Effort To Be Holy!”

“Make Every Effort To Be Holy!”
Today is All Saints Day. On this day we commemorate the saints, both the known and the unknown. Sainthood is considered on the basis of holiness. Sainthood in the general sense include both the living and the dead; those in the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant.
To be saintly is to live a holy and exemplary life. Canonized saints are considered from such merits. Protestantism considers that those who have died and are in heaven – the Church Triumphant – are saints as they assist Jesus Christ in his high priestly functions. Members of the body of Christ here on earth are saints of the Church Militant.
It is understood that all members of the Church are holy (saintly). God says, “Be holy for I am holy.” It is only in saintliness that we stand a chance of seeing God. Therefore it is written: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
John Donne the metaphysical poet and Bishop reminds us that “No man is an island” entirely by himself. We are all part of the mainland. We need each other to be saved. We have to be one another’s keeper as we strengthen each other and make life comfortable for those who are uncomfortable. We do not only try to steer clear of evil, but as individuals, “see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many…”; also ensuring that godlessness and other sins are kept at bay (Heb.12:12-17&22-24).
My friend, in all your well-intentioned zeal for the things of God make it palatable and appreciable to the Lord and for your own good by being holy, for “without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Today, also pray for your departed ones. If you have the opportunity, weed the grass around their graves or light a candle for them or put a wreath on their graves. May the souls of all the departed rest in peace.
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit be my encourager as I make every effort to be holy. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday and All Saints Day! Peace be with you!