What must a Christian give up to be holy? That seems to be the assumption—that living a holy life is all about abstinence and sacrifice, and that happiness and holiness are mutually exclusive.
I’m not here to convince you there’s no sacrifice in being holy. That would be a lie. But does the pursuit of holiness mean giving up all the things that make you happy and comfortable? How far must you go to be holy?
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Seeking Holiness in a Life of Little
Consider the Trappists, an order of monks who surrender all personal possessions for a life of strict dietary regulations, complete obedience to superiors, round-the-clock prayer, regular mass attendance, and a minimum daily requirement of manual labor. Speech is allowed but discouraged.
Your first thought might be, Wow, what an awful way to live. So glad I don’t have to do that.
But then you might start thinking, Huh. They’re so holy. My life is so unholy by comparison.
There is folly in both thoughts—first in the assumption that the Trappists are not happy and, second, in the assumption that because you haven’t sacrificed as much, you are less holy.
Today is the day your eyes are opened to what living a holy life looks like. Because, for the Christian, happiness and holiness are like love and marriage: You can’t have one without the other.
Seeking Holiness in a Life of Abundance
Trappist rules are meant as a way to seek happiness and holiness. Those who participate do so willingly and find fulfillment in a life of minimalism and servanthood. But theirs isn’t the only way to pursue holy living—nor is it superior to all other lifestyles.
Look at the words of Psalm 8:
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers…what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
-Psalm 8:3-4, 6
God did not create this beautiful, amazing world only to tell us we cannot partake of it. On the contrary, he spent six days fashioning the earth and all its elements, and then he created humans to own it.
Being a servant of God does not require you to take a vow of poverty or solitude.
All things—from art and music to sports, science, food, leisure, and relationships—are meant to be enjoyed in their proper time. Being a servant of God does not require you to take a vow of poverty or solitude, and doing so will not make you holier.
So why bother?
The benefit of a minimalistic or solitary lifestyle is that it removes the distraction of the material world. Those focused on the pursuit of “stuff” while navigating complicated human relationships have less time and brain space for prayer and worship.
We’ve all experienced it. It’s something to be aware of but not necessarily to fear.
So when does your pursuit of happiness conflict with God’s will for holiness?
Enjoy Your Pursuits, Don’t Let Them Become Your Religion
God created all things so we may enjoy his glory. Think music is incredible? Imagine how incredible is the One who created it. Love crafting ideas into words through your writing? Consider the depths of the One who gave you thoughts, feelings, and emotions to capture. Enjoy sports and fitness? Give praise to the Creator of the human body and its capabilities.
These things are here for you to pursue and enjoy, but not as a replacement for the only one who can complete you. (See A Rare Treasure: Discover True Christian Joy.)
Remember: You Were Made For Bigger Things
God’s beautiful, tantalizing world is too big for us to fully take in, yet its satisfactions are too small to fulfill you. You were made for his glory. The gifts he’s given you on earth are there to enjoy, but your greatest pleasure should be found in God.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.”
-Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
Always keep your focus on eternity.
Let Others See God’s Glory in All You Do
Your life should be a glimpse of the glory of God. So how do you do that? Here are a few ways you can glorify God and pursue happiness at the same time:
- Do your best in everything. Don’t procrastinate, cut corners, or slack off. Be an honest and virtuous worker.
- Consider your talents and interests a gift from God and use them in godly pursuits.
- Enjoy the elements of God’s creation in their proper place. Food, money, sex, and leisure all have a proper time and are best enjoyed within the bounds God created for them.
- Allow yourself to experience happiness in careers, hobbies, relationships, and material things. But never forget: True joy can only be found in Christ. Don’t let the shiny things of this earth become your idol.
- When others ask you about your joy, give credit to the one who has gifted it to you.
You don’t have to choose between targets. Happiness and holiness are the same bullseye!
Go Deeper in Happiness and Holiness
You don’t have to have all the answers.
but, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
King Solomon wrestled with this very issue. Discover what he concluded in the book of Ecclesiastes. And check out Four Ways Teenagers Live For More (article from Desiring God).