Authentic Holiness

Paul Evdokimov, a Russian Orthodox theologian who lived from 1901-1970, wrote, "It is not enough to say prayers, one must become, be prayer, prayer incarnate. It is not enough to have moments of praise. All of life, each act, every gesture, even the smile of the human face, must become a hymn of adoration, an offering, a prayer. One should offer not what one has, but what one is."

I do agree with that theology. That way of being is, I think, authentic holiness. However, it is certainly difficult to share with others. The reluctance for me comes from a fear that people will think me too pious or put me even higher on that false pedestal some have created for pastors.

There is also a layer of apologetics that is needed to counter the modern day Pharisees who have usurped what holiness in prayer is all about. For many who have been "burned" by the church Pharisees there is a sense that holiness is a shroud placed upon them in order to control or condemn rather than holiness being a baring of one's soul, a removal of the death pall.

Just a thought,
P.C.