Most humans look at God things as a choice. I get this, but I have been thinking it is incomplete. If there is a Creator and He made all things – it seems to me that He is the one who is making the choice, right? Weighing this has become a key premise for me about spirituality. Does it begin with me – or with Him? I realize this is kind of out there, but most other options are limiting. If it all begins with us then it will be biased – more self-driven and me-driven. This appears to be the main issue with all religions (including historic christianity) – very self-driven. I have found even an atheist has faith.
All this to say all of us have a spiritual core – even those who discard the very idea of a supreme being. This is perhaps one of the most significant contemplations of our existence. Is there a “greater”, and where do we fit?
How would you describe your core? How has it been shaped? Where does it leave you – both on the inside and the outside? Here are some things that may stimulate deeper thinking and conversation about what really matters related to our spiritual core.
Things that appear to shape us:
√ The things learned from circumstances over which we have no control. Our family and upbringing. Where we were born. Our socio-economic factors. The things that happen through “chance” as we march toward and into adulthood. What have been your main shaping circumstances and occurrences?
√ What is modeled to us by significant players in our lives. We are so influenced by those close to us or whom we choose to value and emulate. Who have been these “giants” been in your life? The good ones and the not so good ones.
√ Chance encounters and twists in the road. What are some of these pivotal moments for you – a relocation, a family tragedy such as a divorce or death, etc. What specific things have sent you in an unchosen yet significant direction?
√ Things that come from our survival instinct. Words spoken in reaction or haste. Self-protective responses to neglect or attack. Choices we make to survive economically or relationally. Friend successes. Friend conflicts. Victories. Losses.
√ What has been driven by love? Where have these love connections emerged and remained, arrived, or disappeared? To what degree do you feel your heart has been overtaken by love? Rejected by love? Rejecting of love? Disappointed? Would you consider yourself a person who lives in love?
√ What is driven by hate? Where have you experienced hurt from others and become embittered? In what ways has forgiveness emerged in the way you approach life?
All of this leads to where we find ourselves in our identity – and how we act upon it. When pursuing each of our spiritual cores, these and many other factors shape us or drive – and even chase us. God says our original condition is value. Life circumstances and relationship often diminish or try to dissuade us in thinking we have value.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Jesus invites us to freedom in our spiritual core. “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
What is it that defines you at your core? Who do you think you are? How do you think your Creator feels about you when He looks at your life? Here is the heart of Kingdom Spirituality. First King. How are you connected to your King? Then Kingdom. How has His Kingdom impacted the choices and trajectory in your life? Then Church. In what ways have you recovered your God-identity, and how are you sharing it with those around you or through your gifts, your choices for how you live, with the people who you love and care for or in what you choose to give of your time, talents, and treasures?
Peace friend!
Dave and Burnadette