Everything is Spiritual

 



There’s a popular phrase that’s been around for quite some time now that describes people who don’t go to church.  People say they’re “spiritual, but not religious.”  There’s a lot of baggage in that phrase, to but sure.  In many ways, it was inevitable for people to turn from the institution of Christianity, but there’s something inherent about our faith that makes us want to hold it close to our hearts even if we wander.  Descartes described it as a kind of God-shaped hole in our soul.  I think the Hebrew people had it figured out before him though.

Did you know, that in the Hebrew language there is no word for spiritual?  Weird to think that, considering they were such a God-centered culture.  They identified as God’s chosen people; how could they not understand what it meant to be spiritual?  Language says a lot.  The absence of the word indicates the way they related to God. 

You see, in ancient Hebrew culture, everything is spiritual.  You don’t make a separation between your spiritual life and your “regular” life.  It’s all spiritual, because your whole life is focused on God.  If you hurt someone, if you steal, if you sin against God, your whole life suffers, spiritual and all.  I think there’s a certain reality to this we understand.  When we’ve been hurt by someone, we turn to God.  When we need help forgiving, we look to God.  It’s all connected, it’s all spiritual.

To me, the key is understanding and acknowledging this reality.  God is present with us, in every day and in every moment.  We don’t have to let God in, God is already there.  They key to walking our best path of discipleship is simply acknowledging God.  God is not just near us, the spirit of God indwells us.

Would you pray with me?

Spirit of the living God, we acknowledge you indwell our hearts as your disciples.  Fill us with the comfort of your love.  Fill us with passion and commitment.  Lead us toward the hard work that leads to justice for your people.  May we be true disciples, who live and breath your by your faith alone.  Amen. 

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