One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. Then she said to her husband, “I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God, so let’s make a small room upstairs and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there.” (2 Kings 4:8-10)

Holiness shows. People won’t always be able to identify exactly what it is that sets someone apart. They might say things like, “She is just so calm and has a peace about her even during chaos,” or “I’m not sure what sets him apart, but there’s something different that draws me to wonder more.” Of course, not everyone wants to know more or get closer. Sometimes the evidence of God’s presence in someone’s life repels them, because they simply aren’t in the place where they want to welcome God yet.

But when someone is curious and receptive, he or she extends hospitality. It shows an open and generous heart, searching for God’s presence. Hospitality shares life. So does holiness.

Holiness isn’t perfection; it’s humble growth. It’s the process of faith. It’s the result of faith, the evidence of faith. It is what purposes and drives faith as well as what faith develops. It is a goal and a motivation toward the goal. It is what we choose and how we surrender. Seek it, and surrender to it.