In the last post we looked at the Human Condition as it relates to our lack of connected-ness to God and our true selves. This disconnect leads to a life of discontentment, disillusionment and a life devoid of meaning. We seek out things, relationships and distractions just to get us through. This is not life but simply going through the motions of life. When in fact, we are created to enjoy life and live with purpose and creativity.
In today's post, I want to look at what is spirituality? This question could get a different answer for each person you ask, however, My purpose today is not to get an all inclusive answer to this question but rather, boil it down to a simple practical answer that can easily be applied to someone's life. I leave the deep questions,to others who are more qualified than I, to dive into the "Big Questions".
For me spirituality is simply being connected to spirit. This would be connected to God and also being connected to the true person or essence of our own spirit. This connection in turn lends itself to touching and impacting every area of our life and the lives around us. I am not promoting some kind of mega, super spiritual life that makes one "so heavenly minded they are not earthly good".
True spirituality is useful in life, even in the small moments that may seem to be mundane, Today, I read a quote that makes this point, “Life’s what happens while you’re waiting for the light to change.”
There are times when we need to reevaluate our belief systems. This is necessary when our life is not helped but hindered by the personal truths we hold or have had passed down to us. In my life, I found myself facing a "crisis of faith or spirituality" when what I believed, (my personal truth) was not able to meet the challenges and struggles of my life. Namely, my 36 year struggle with my sexuality. Although this was the scariest time in my life and spiritual journey, it was also when my journey of discovery really began. I have ministered over the years with many people who are held captive by their beliefs, and who live miserable lives trying to reconcile what they believe with what is their life experience. My religion failed me miserable, however the crime of it was that I equated my beliefs with God. What I discovered is God is much bigger than beliefs, religion, sacred books, or creeds and doctrines. It wasn't God who failed me but my religion. This is a truth that surely set me free and began my journey of self and God discovery.
I am not anti- church or religion. Both of these can serve a valuable service to a seeker. However if what you believe does not meet the challenges of life and does not serve to help you draw closer to God and a healthy spiritual life, then it is time for to reevaluate what you believe. Our Faith should be relevant to life and the challenges of today. The church and it's followers must be willing to grow and evolve in light of the reality around us. After all the world was never flat, it was only our understanding that needed to change.
Spirituality is about all of life, not just the great moments. Spiritual life can have great events of excitement and Ecstasy. Like in the life of Christ with at transfiguration, or when the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. However even Christ had to face the challenges of everyday life. Here is when my traffic light example may not work, but I am sure we got held up at an intersection waiting on a caravan of camels or a herd of sheep. God not only wants to be a part of our life in the big challenges but God will even fill our lives with God's presence at the smaller "traffic light moments.
Make it a practice to invite God's presence (Spirit) into all moments of your life, especially moments of depression, doubt, despair and difficulty. These are times when we are tempted to disconnect, and turn to distractions, but it is when we need to purposely connect with Spirit. Also take times, to focus on spirit throughout the day, it is a great way to start and end the day, but I take spirit breaks throughout my day as well.
I hope this article has given you some practical thoughts that ideas that will be helpful.
No comments:
Post a Comment