January 28

Read: I Corinthians 13:4-7

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness — And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us (Psalms 96:9; 90:17).

The Beauty Of Holiness

In the introduction to his book, The Pure in Heart, W. E. Sangster has said the best way for a man to study holiness is to look long at those who are holy and then to consult his own heart and mind on the reactions which he feels. That is because holiness is inherently attractive.

Can you now recall the man or woman whom you think of as the best Christian you have ever known? Perhaps a pastor or some little-known layman who walked with God. Are you thinking now of such a person? If you have that person in mind, will you answer this question: How often as you have thought of his life have you said, I wish I could be like that? To see the beauty of holiness makes the heart hungry for it.

If that beauty in a friend attracts us, how much more are our hearts stirred as we look steadily at the life of our Lord? On the mount of transfiguration Peter saw that beauty and wanted to capture it permanently. “Master, it is good for us to be here… let us make three tabernacles” (Mark 9:5). Thomas was discouraged, ready to surrender his faith. But a moment in the presence of the Master rekindled his magnificent obsession. He wanted more and not less as he gave the glad cry, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).

To see the beauty of holiness makes the heart hungry for it, and that hunger becomes a prayer:

Oh, to be like Thee! Oh, to be like Thee, Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art! Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

— T. O. Chisholm