The path for pursuing God is simplicity and the destination is our personal holiness.

A man is raised up from the earth by two wings—simplicity and purity. There must be simplicity in his intention and purity in his desires. Simplicity leads to God, purity embraces and enjoys Him.

THOMAS À KEMPIS

According to Thomas À Kempis, we must adopt simplicity and purity in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes in order to know God, grow closer to Him, and find purpose and fulfillment in life. In pursuing God: simplicity is the path, and holiness is the destination. Simplicity helps us to detach from worldly distractions and focus on our spiritual journey. On the other hand, purity allows us to embrace and enjoy God’s presence, experiencing the joy and peace that comes from a closer relationship with Him.

Pursuing God

As I reflected on this quote, it reminded me of our lifelong pursuit of God. Pursuing God and walking with God can be challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling as we draw closer to the Creator and discover the depths of His love for us. In this journey, simplicity serves as the path that leads us towards God. By simplifying our lives and focusing on what is truly essential, we create space for God to work in us and through us. We become more attuned to His voice, more aware of His presence, and more open to His leading.

Holiness, on the other hand, is the destination that we strive towards. It is the state of our hearts where we are fully surrendered to God, embracing His will and His ways. Holiness and purity allow us to enjoy and embrace God, to experience His love and His joy in our lives. It is the culmination of our pursuit of God, where we are fully transformed and conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Together, simplicity and holiness are powerful tools in our pursuit of God, guiding us along the path and leading us to the destination of a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Simplicity is the Path

Maintaining simplicity in our relationship with God is crucial. By keeping our intentions pure and free from distractions or hidden motives, we can approach God with authenticity and sincerity, seeking His guidance and aligning our actions with His will.

Simplicity helps us prioritize what truly matters in our relationship with Jesus. By removing the unnecessary complexities and distractions from our lives, we can focus on the essential aspects of our faith, such as spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and cultivating a heart of worship. Simplicity allows us to declutter our spiritual journey and devote our energy and attention to deepening our connection with Jesus.

Simplicity helps us break free from the grip of materialism and the pursuit of worldly possessions and pleasures. When we simplify our lifestyles and detach ourselves from the excessive accumulation of material goods, we create space for Jesus to fill our hearts. We become less preoccupied with material concerns and more available to receive the spiritual riches and blessings that Jesus offers.

Embracing simplicity requires a humble and surrendered attitude. It involves letting go of our own agendas, desires, and self-centered ambitions. By adopting a posture of humility and surrender, we acknowledge Jesus as the center of our lives and invite Him to guide and shape us according to His will. Simplicity fosters a reliance on Jesus and an openness to His leading. It is through simplicity that we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves up to His transformative work within us.

Simplicity nurtures an attitude of contentment and gratitude. Instead of constantly striving for more, simplicity teaches us to be satisfied with what we have and find joy in the present moment. This contentment frees us from the never-ending cycle of seeking fulfillment in worldly pursuits and directs our focus towards finding true fulfillment in Jesus alone.

Ultimately, simplicity strengthens our trust in Jesus. As we let go of our reliance on the things of this world, we learn to trust in Jesus as our ultimate source of provision, guidance, and fulfillment. Simplicity fosters a deepening trust in His faithfulness and provision, which in turn strengthens our relationship with Him.

Holiness is the Destination

Approaching God with a clean heart requires purity in both our desires and thoughts. When we maintain pure intentions, free from any selfish or sinful inclinations, it allows us to establish a deeper connection with God. The cultivation of a holy and righteous life through purity enables us to align ourselves with God’s character, reflecting His love and grace to those around us.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His character to the world. Inner purity and holiness align us with the nature of Jesus, allowing His light to shine through us. Our actions, words, and attitudes become a testimony to His transformative power, drawing others to Him.

Holiness is essential for our ongoing sanctification and transformation. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, as we yield to His refining process, impurities, and sinful patterns are gradually purged from our lives. We are conformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus, becoming vessels for His glory.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit residing within us. Cultivating a clean and pure heart enables us to be more attuned to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, promptings, and empowerment.  He leads us, convicts us of sin, and empowers us to live in accordance with God’s will.

Ultimately, inner purity and holiness are pleasing to God. God is holy, and He desires His children to reflect His holiness. Pursuing purity and holiness demonstrates our love for God and our desire to honor Him in every aspect of our lives.