Uncomfortable Holiness.

I recently wrote about being called to radical change, and that idea has continued to remain on my heart this past week. I mentioned the idea that God doesn’t call us to be comfortable; he calls us to be holy. Let me tell you… some of these passages and challenges in Rediscover Jesus are making me very uncomfortable. In the kindest way possible, Matthew Kelly challenges us to really take a look at our lives and ask what we can do better to grow in our relationship with Jesus and become the holy people God is calling us to be. I’m starting to feel “called out,” but I know I need that to happen for me to take action.

It’s so easy to say, “I’m doing well enough,” or “He can’t possibly be referring to me… I’m a good Christian.” We are called to be better. In a recent chapter of Rediscover Jesus, Matthew Kelly discusses generosity. Many of us are familiar with the phrase “time, talent, and treasure.” I find it very easy to give of my time and my talent, but my treasure is something I have a hard time giving away. For years, I’ve said things such as, “I’m a college student. I’ll give later.” Now, I find myself saying, “I’m saving money to move to New York. I’ll give when my career is off the ground.” But then I go and pick up a few shirts on sale at Target. Or I buy my lunch at Panera instead of packing something at home. I consider myself a pretty frugal person, and I almost always buy things on clearance or on consignment, but I think I would be shocked by how much money I spend on extraneous things I don’t need. How much of an impact could that money make on someone who is truly in need?

In order to make a change, I need to admit that there is a problem. And right now, I’m being forced (gently, one passage at a time in this book) to admit that I can be more giving of my money. Yes, I do need to save money for New York City. Yes, it’s okay to buy a new shirt every once in awhile. But I need to be consistent in my views on saving my money. If I’m willing to drop $20 on some new clothes, then I can probably drop some cash in the second collection at church when the Little Sisters of the Poor ask for donations. Or when I have an opportunity to donate to another amazing cause. I won’t lie to you--this will be a very difficult change for me to make. But I’m starting to be more aware of the money I spend but “can’t donate to church because I’m saving for NYC.” This is one of those radical changes I’m being called to make in my life.

I challenge you to take a (possibly uncomfortable) look at your life and ask God how he is calling you to take a step, or a leap, out of your comfort zone in an effort to grow closer to him. Radical change is not an easy process, but is anything that’s worth it ever easy?

#RediscoverJesus #holiness #giving #challenge #change