"Holiness is not a condition into which we drift"

It's pretty straightforward, actually: you don't just stumble into holiness by accident. It's not something that just happens to you one day without any effort. Holiness, or living a life dedicated to moral and spiritual integrity, requires intentionality and discipline. It's like maintaining a garden—you have to water it, pull the weeds, and make sure it gets enough sunlight. Neglect it, and the weeds take over.

So, let's talk about the context a bit. This idea has been around for ages, and you can find it in many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It's especially prominent in Christian teachings. The statement is a reminder that spiritual growth and moral integrity are active pursuits, not passive states. You can't just sit back and expect to become a better person. You've got to put in the work.

Think about an athlete training for a marathon. They don't just wake up one morning and decide to run 26.2 miles without any preparation. No, they spend months—sometimes years—training, building up their endurance, perfecting their stride, and pushing through the pain. They make a plan, stick to it, and constantly evaluate their progress. Holiness works the same way. You need a plan for spiritual growth, whether that means regular prayer, meditation, reading spiritual texts, or engaging in acts of kindness.

Let's get into a real-life example. Take Mother Teresa, for instance. She didn't become a symbol of selfless love and compassion overnight. She dedicated her entire life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta. Her actions were the result of deliberate choices and a strong commitment to her faith. She didn't just drift into holiness; she pursued it with determination and purpose. Every morning, she started with prayer, seeking the strength to face whatever challenges the day would bring. Her life was a series of intentional actions aimed at embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Set aside a few minutes each day for reflection or prayer. Think about the qualities you want to cultivate—kindness, patience, humility—and look for opportunities to practice them. Make conscious decisions that align with your values. Maybe that means volunteering, offering a listening ear to a friend, or simply being more mindful in your daily interactions.

Imagine you're navigating a river. You can't just float and expect to end up in a good place. You need to paddle, steer, and sometimes make tough decisions about which direction to go. That's what pursuing holiness is like. It's about making those small, everyday choices that keep you on the right path.

I remember a time when I was really struggling with patience. I was always in a hurry, snapping at people, and just generally stressed out. One day, I decided to change that. I started with small steps—taking deep breaths when I felt irritation rising, consciously choosing to listen more and talk less, and reminding myself that everyone has their own struggles. It wasn't easy, and I still have my moments, but over time, I noticed a shift. I became more patient, more understanding. But it didn't just happen. I had to work at it every single day.

So, don't wait for holiness to find you. Go out there and pursue it. Make those small, intentional choices that add up over time. You'll be surprised at how much you can grow.