|
Quote~Dallas Willard (The Spirit of the Disciplines)
Spirituality is simply the holistic quality of human life as it was meant to be, at the center of which is our relation to God.
Comments
Francis Schaeffer, in True Spirituality, refers to that "sweeping out of the inward positive reality ... to be a manifestation externally." True spirituality pertains, then, to something within us that expresses in relationship with creatures of the world.
Willard refers to this spirituality as holistic. True spirituality, then, has complementing aspects of inward and outward. Inward complements and increases outward; outward complements and increases inward.
Still, persons are fitted spiritually in differing degrees of inward and outward. That is part of the wonderful variety in the Body of Christ. Likewise, this fit can shift for persons at different points of life.
Generally, however, below is the progression in our culture in the spiritual journey in regard to aspects of inward and outward:
1) Extremely outward~One is aligned with the five senses and outer environment, avoiding inward attentiveness. Almost all persons in Western society stay extremely outward in matters of religious faith, and they are very uncomfortable with contemplative practice. But, more may grow inward due to another motivation, like psychological practice that entails self-introspection, interpreting archetypes and dreams, ...
2) Extremely inward~This seems to be an oft pattern, for example, when one enters serious spiritual meditative prayer and other inward spiritual disciplines. This can last for several years. In its most marked extent, a person can struggle to complete daily tasks and engage in necessary practical matters. A moderate period of such difficulty is frequent and is not to be viewed as abnormal at all. This is due, largely, to physiological changes that occur from intense spiritual discipline that takes one deeper toward the Self within. These are changes the entire body~mind system undergo in the new life orientation.
3) Integrative inward and outward~Here the person integrates again the outward. Persons do this to varying degrees. Again, how inward or outward the mature spiritual person is will vary from person to person and likely for most persons over different times of life.
|
|
Such changes as those above can lead to shifts in religious and spiritual practice and affiliation. For example, likely few markedly inward persons, like devoted contemplatives are typically, would find a place for themselves in many Christian denominations~due to the marked lack of inwardness in worship. Certain groups, like the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, Episcopal Church, and Society of Friends (or Quakers) have an orientation more inviting to the contemplative, or markedly inward person in regards to spiritual orientation. I myself am United Methodist and struggle with the lack of such inwardness in many of our congregations. I see positive changes in teaching and liturgy toward the importance of a place for inwardness in worship and daily spiritual practice. This, however, is not evident in many of our churches.
The constant in the entire spiritual journey noted above is to a mature integration~recall the term "holistic"~of inward and outward. These aspects can be broadly, yet imprecisely, called "devotion" and "service."
As I have grown in the contemplative life, I have seen this integration occurring, slowly, in devotion and service. I sense and act from the inward sense of God~communion more, as well as a sensation of deep oneness with others, even persons I had never met before. Likewise, in meditation the Spirit speaks to me~or, impresses on me~more about outward matters of life, such as my service to the parishioners in the churches I minister in. Therefore, I witness the integration even in deep meditative prayer.
The inward to outward, rather than vice versa, remains constant for me. I begin each day with devotion before beginning any service, even the writing I so much enjoy. Also, on Sunday mornings I get up much earlier than usual, generally well before daylight, to make sure I spend adequate time in contemplation before I go out to meet the people and preach in the churches, beginning at nine AM.
Suggested Reflection
How have you grown in integrating service and devotion? Give examples of how you give attention to both these aspects and how they complement each other in your living. How does the church you attend or are a member of do in balancing devotion and service? Explain.
For questions, comments, or booking Brian for book reading, speaking, workshop, or retreat, send email through Submit Query below.
See next page for details on OneLife Ministries, Brian's book An Ache for Union, and material pertaining to sources used in the writing.
Continued... |
