During the last semester of my college experience, I took a required Philosophy class. In this class, I was finally able to put words together to define what holiness means to me.

In discussing St. Augustine’s  The Confessions, a description of piety and his enlightenment, I discovered my own holiness. It was much simpler than I first imagined. I didn’t need a lot of fancy terminologies, a beautiful ornate room, or the blessings of another pious person. I didn’t have to ask for permission. I didn’t need to be perfect, barefoot or cleansed by smoke and ash to enter. I also didn’t need St. Augustine.

What I needed I had been holding on to all along.

The Holy Spirit had been my guide for a long time. I didn’t know where the little voice came from which helped nudge me in the right direction. Until that day, I didn’t have a clue why my “gut instinct” was always right- even when I ignored it.

There were two words which tipped me off. The word piety as found in the Webster’s dictionary is “the quality of being religious or reverent.”   Reverent is defined as “feeling or showing deep and solemn respect”. These were two things which were building blocks for me.

Piety is not some fancy word I want to get hung up on. Religious (by definition) can be a word with a negative connotation. But using it in conjunction with being reverent, now there is a package.

Religious reverence.

For me, there is a certain amount of breathtaking quality to being religiously reverent. By focusing on the religious part in a reverent way, I can harness my emotions. I simmer down a bit and focus on the reverence part of connection through worship. In prayer and song, I reach the sweet spot of elation and release. Occasionally tears fall silently down my face. I lift my hands and welcome the rush of peace. It washes over me like a warm shower, soothing to my soul and settling my mind.

I think of these two words and how they apply to my own personal holiness. For me, holiness is a representation of my commitment to Christ and the connection I am gifted via the Holy Spirit.  I never considered myself “religious” so to speak, only committed.

When I fully understand this commitment as a relationship with Christ, I do my best work. Relationships are hard. This one is not. Christ is perfect. The only person I must overcome is me. To pursue piety means to pursue Jesus. It is a path of security no matter the roadblocks. There is nothing worthy of allowing between myself and Christ. By focusing on the reverence of this relationship, I can find peace to live a Godly life. Through Christ’s example and teachings, this is how I live free.

Aiming for a pious goal does not mean freedom from human nature or trials. I still have grief, heartache, physical ailment and sadness. But I can fight those overwhelming emotions which rise. I have tools such as joy, hope, peace, and faith. I can combat the humanness of brokenness and feeling alone with the knowledge I have a real Savior.

He was here in the flesh. He made unbreakable promises. He left a legacy for every single one of us. He performed miracles and loved unconditionally. He spoke to his father as a son who only wants the best for his fathers’ creation. While in the flesh, Jesus was the epitome of piety. He was the most reverent man religion had ever seen. There wasn’t anyone like him before his time or since. He was God and is God.

I am grateful for a savior who lives to teach me to be redeemed. I am reverent in my religion to the One who is the only way. The only thing which matters is my relationship with Jesus. The best things I have experienced on earth have been in moments of pure joy, gifted to me during moments of pure piety offered up to a God who has a plan I believe in.