Day 354 - Unspirituality
Having a Heart in a Sometimes Heartless World
Scripture focus: The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message
Yesterday we remembered how much God loves all his sheep. But today, we are reminded about the fly in the ointment. We can only access God’s Spirit through an alert Spirit within ourselves. An “unspiritual self” – by its very nature – can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. Now, I don’t pretend to understand all that this means. It’s like pornography, I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it (not that I look…). There’s something about an unconscious, unspiritual self – that makes it impossible to comprehend what God is up to.
I have had seasons of unspirituality that send shivers down my spine when I remember back to them. These were times when I honestly thought people who believed in God were silly. I had no capacity for understanding spiritual things.
And I was miserable. For me – and this is just me and my experience – the unspiritual self is an empty shell. In hindsight, I have come to believe that I was created to be a receptacle of God’s gifts. In a way, I think of myself as a recycling bin – empty, not too attractive and sometimes downright stinky – but serviceable and even noble once I discover my place in God’s story. As a recycling bin – I may not be as beautiful as an orchid or smell like a rose – but I have a purpose that helps other people live well. And that’s good enough; on days when my God-vision goggles are firmly attached – I even think it’s awesome!
So if our unspirituality prevents the receiving of the gifts of God – that’s not so good. And it’s true – no one can fully know all that God has in his mind. But the great news is this – Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit. In the NIV translation, scripture says we have the mind of Christ.
One more thought – I also believe that is it very difficult to stay unspiritual. It’s simply too uncomfortable. So be of good cheer, my friends. Spiritual liveliness is at hand – it’s available and we are eligible for a Christmas bonus. Christ knows, and we have Christ’s Spirit. God is in the business of delivering the gift of Christ to his sheep – red, yellow, black and white – all his sheep, whether spiritual or not-quite-there-yet – are precious in his sight. May you find your bliss this holiday season in unexpected places!
Recommended reading: Haggai 1 and 2 in the morning; Revelation 11 and Proverbs 29 in the evening
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