As a psychologist, I am always aware of the aspects of feelings, thoughts and actions, and the way these three interact with each other. They have a lot of influence on each other. With this basic idea, it is easy to say that sin can be of our feelings, thoughts, and actions. However, it is equally true that we can be holy, express virtue, in our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
When Jesus in the Bible asks us, or more literally tells us, to reform our lives we often think of things that I am not going to do any more like get angry or jealous. How do I change my thoughts so that they are more holy? How do I change my feelings and behavior so that they can be more virtuous? Living a holy life ought to be more than behaving morally. It ought to mean thinking and feeling in a different way, too.
Most of us are keenly aware that our thoughts, feelings and actions are not only not in harmony with each other but are not in harmony with Jesus and His teaching. Holiness goes beyond conforming our actions to those of Jesus to include forming our emotions and thoughts to His emotions and thoughts. This reforming our lives in all outward and inward aspects is not easy in a world where we justify sinful behavior, thoughts and feelings as just natural and therefore ok.
So, I ask myself and you. How can I be holier in my thoughts? How can I be holier in my feelings? How can I be holier in my actions? What does a holy life look like?
“Jesus, I am a lost sheep in my desire to live a holier and more virtuous life! Through your death and resurrection, you rescued me. show me the way!”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let His face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you His peace.”
