"so spiritually minded that we're of no earthly good".
Our words will betray us, but our actions are the testament to our TRUE beliefs. It's good to discuss spiritual matters, because it helps us solidify certain ideas about the infinite, but be careful that they don't become too solid. Its good to discuss love, but better to love. Good to discuss forgiveness, but better to forgive. It's good to discuss the nature of God, but... you get the point.
This is one of religion's fatal flaws, hypocrisy.
Perhaps waxing spiritual is not a problem for some of you. Good. For some of us, it's a danger (I refer to myself especially). This post will be short and sweet.
A CHALLENGE:
For those of us who have a tendency to discuss spiritual matters like the latest gossip, and everyone else - the challenge is to go through this next week without saying a word that refers to spiritual truth, God, etc. Instead, every time you get the urge talk about such things, DO SOMETHING that aligns with the truth you profess. Love someone, forgive, give of yourself, sacrifice ego, pray, meditate, etc. And draw no attention to the things you do. Do them secretly if you can, don't glorify them. Discussing exercise is wonderful, especially if you're creating a schedule, familiarising yourself with certain muscle groups, addressing old injuries. But discussing exercise won't make you any stronger.
Do the work!
Love your new format, Adam. And, I love your challenge. "put your money where your mouth is" is in the ballpark, and what's that other thing??? Something about "what you are doing is so loud I can't hear what you're saying" ?? It goes something like that.. anyway, you get my drift. Great point for you to make. Before you say it, just do it. I think I got it now.
ReplyDeleteGood to see your blog Adam, and I like the way you stated what I have felt for many years. If only people would act as they say they believe.
ReplyDeleteTo compliment that thought,
ReplyDeleteJames 1:22-27 says:
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you [fn] thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted (unblemished) from the world.
Another good one refering to "doing" the Word:
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? James 2:15-16
I have heard that expression: "Don't be so spiritually minded that you are of no earthly good," but, I don't know where it comes from... Do you know the origin of it? I was just curious. What do you mean by that statement?Also, what do you mean when you say... "but be careful that they don't become too solid..."
I'm not sure where the saying comes from. What I mean is, don't get so wrapped up in spiritual ideas that you live in your own intellect polishing trophy doctrines instead of being love to the people around you.
ReplyDeleteThe other statement stems from my understanding of truth: that we only perceive bits and pieces at a time and so our grip on truth needs to remain somewhat fluid. Belief are fine, ideas are better. Remain open, teachable, spirituality humble, drained of ego or you'll be blind to a greater truth.
That sounds like you are implying that truth is variable. Like truth now could be replaced by a different truth later. Wouldn't it be better to view truth as something that doesn't change? for ex: you could learn more truth, but the new truth doesn't trump the old truth, it just enhances it. You could grip tightly to all truth, knowing that the more truth you discover will only strengthen your grip. If you are too open, you could certainly subject yourself to a non-truth, and let it construe your view of ultimate truth. I guess it begs the question, if someone found truth, can they know that it is really true truth??
ReplyDeleteI know this may sound off topic, but question for you: (it just came to my mind while thinking about these things. and.. I am sorry in advance for talking about spiritual things.. because that wasn't the purpose of your blog.. but, I will be the outcast for now and continue wallowing in my religious banter.. this question is regarding the law of cause and effect and how it pertains to origins, God, and truth) Would you say that you believe there is an ongoing chain of ever-decreasing effects, resulting from an infinite chain of nonprimary ever-increasing causes? or the existence of an uncaused Source, an omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and Primary, First Cause? or, neither?... you don't have to answer... just ponder if you'd like... btw.. I posted on my blog this evening.. check it out.. and comment.. (you can wait till after your week of spiritual silence though) only, no sugar coated sissy comments, I want you to spill whatever comes to your mind. thats what I do to you!! haha Love you Panther!