My pastor, Pastor Jack Hibbs sends out a devotional every Monday. They’re always really good, so I generally share them on Facebook. Sometimes, however, they’re especially juicy, and last Monday’s was like that so I’ve decided to write about it here.

The gist of it was that you can’t have peace without holiness, but you also can’t have holiness without peace, because both of them come from God through Jesus Christ.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. ~ Hebrews 12:14, ESV.

Peace and holiness are two qualities about which the world knows very little, yet we are told to pursue them both. The dictionary definition of peace is, freedom from disturbance, and tranquility; mental calm and serenity; peace of mind; freedom from anxiety or distress.

Holiness, on the other hand, is the condition of being dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; set apart and devoted to the service of God. To be godly is to be devoutly religious, and godliness is part of being holy.

⁶Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ⁸And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-8, NKJV.

I love these verses from 1 Timothy 6, and they make so much sense, because if you have a lot of things, you’ll be worried all the time about what’s happening with them, instead of thinking about your relationship with God. And if you’re worried about your things, you won’t have peace, and holiness will take a back seat to taking care of your stuff. Your time will be dedicated to figuring out what to do with your belongings instead of being amazed at the grandeur and majesty of God and His wonderful creation.

And lest you think that being holy and set apart to God sounds incredibly boring, I can tell you that it’s exactly the opposite. Since I made the decision to follow God wholeheartedly, I’ve never had so much FUN in all my life. I’m constantly seeing God around me without even looking for Him. He just shows up! I’m perpetually reminded of Him, because without even trying I see beauty everywhere I look.

I’m sure there’s more I could say about this, but it’s about three o’clock on Sunday morning, and I plan on going to church this morning, so I want to get this post published so I can go to bed and be able to get up later and stay awake during the church service.

I desire nothing more than to see the Lord, to see Jesus face to face. So I will seek peace and holiness above all else in every way I possibly can. I will pursue beauty, because I think God can be found there. The Bible says there is beauty to be found in holiness,

Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. ~ Psalm 29:2, NKJV.