Holy Now: How to Be Christ's Presence Where You LiveSample

It is often difficult circumstances that cause us to re-examine our life, our choices, our habits, our desires, our direction in life.

We can look for simple explanations that put the blame on others. We can even look for simplistic reasons for why we do what we do that somehow let us off the hook.

But when we are honest – not in a brutal bruising way, but in a holy healing way — we can see within our spirit more clearly why we do what we do and what can be done about it.

Looking within honestly can be a way for the Holy Spirit to reveal to us teachings we’ve learned along the way that are not helpful or healthy.

Sometimes, this comes to us in private meditation upon the Scriptures and the wisdom of Christian writings. Sometimes, it comes through time with a Christian counselor or spiritual mentors. And sometimes it comes through your friendships, your family, and even strangers.

Holy honesty is not just a gift for your own individual spirit but it’s a gift of grace for all who are connected to your life, who bear the consequences of your choices, who are blessed or burdened by your actions.

Of course we agree that we should be honest and truthful with ourselves, our loved ones, friends and neighbors. But why is it so hard? Why are we so susceptible to half-truths? Why do we cling to negative narratives about our own life or those who have hurt us? How is it we are so easily deceived?

To face honestly your life and who you really are is sacred work. To be called to a life with Christ Jesus is to learn how to take off our false self and accept our true selves made in the image of God.

What does this look like? It is the result of cultivating the attitudes as Jesus, focusing your mind on what is good and noble, true and beautiful, just and righteous, holy and healing.

Honestly, if we are created to be like God in how we embody truth, justice and holiness, the standards are very high.

But this God puts His Holy Spirit in us, empowering us to be truly honest in a healing way, forging stronger friendships as we learn to speak truthfully to those around us in love, building up a healthier spirit, mind and body for all.