Spiritual Disciplines: Walking The Path

All I asked for was a book that would help me grow as a Christian and develop my spiritual maturity. Usually people recommend books lacking any substantive or practical advice on trusting Jesus or whatever. In this case I got more than I asked for when someone told me about book on the active practice of various disciplines that are meant to strengthen our walk with God through fasting, Bible Study, meditation, etc. Making these practices a part of your life are challenging. I read the book twice and only made a handful of half-hearted attempts. How many times have any of us promised to fast only to gobble down an entire bag of chips? What I am hoping to do is to post whenever I actually attempt one of the disciplines to share my experiences both successes and failures. Though I do think these disciplines are important to our spiritual growth they aren’t meant to be taken lightly and if you have any doubts about them speak to your pastor or someone you trust. I have done that myself as I attempt to practice each of these disciplines to know the proper way (if any) that they are meant to be practiced.

I am starting off with a prayer labyrinth which is an odd choice since it was a tool more closely associated with Greek pagan culture than with Christian practice. Whenever a church adds a prayer labyrinth extreme heat follows. I didn’t take walking the prayer labyrinth lightly as I asked my buddy Ken, who walked it before, the pro’s and con’s of walking the maze. As for the labyrinth itself it isn’t like mazes we played with during school rainy days which have a single path through the maze with many turns and dead ends to lead you away from the main path. The prayer labyrinth is only a single path leading to the center which you have to retrace to get out again. If you do choose to try it there are two things you need to do before hand to prepare yourself for this experience. First, pray for guidance. Many well meaning Christians lose their way in the pursuit of spiritual disciplines. For instance, One-ness Pentecostalism was born when a man having an all night vigil had a “revelation: about the true nature of God. Second, you need to have a tentative plan of what you are going to think, pray, or meditate on while you are walking the path. Third, be aware of your steps. If you aren’t paying attention you will cross over a line breaking the path. I hate to admit it happened to me twice. My mistake was I went having no set plans and both times got lost in my own imagination making my mind jump around on matters of faith and whether I should have chicken for dinner. This time I had the plan to concentrate on a portion of 1 Peter chapter 1, chewing on the words, and seeking God’s guidance. Walking the labyrinth forced me to be strict confines being very conscientious of my steps. I couldn’t rush, my steps became well paced, stopping every now and again to look at the scripture to remind myself of the important words of God. Sometimes placing a strict confine on your actions can be helpful in opening yourself up to the work of God in your heart. If I were to rush through is to miss the beauty of walking with God. Looking back I could have just as easily had the same result walking through the park lost in God’s grace around me. And in the middle of my walk the bells of the local church started to ring… Gravy!

Recommended further reading: I kept this part until the end so you could decide for yourselves what you thought about the matter. Though I'd say my experience was positive I still am a bit wary considering the maze's past. Here are some readings on it both pro and con.

I don't know who these people are that wrote these articles, but they are very critical of prayer labyrinths. I mean very critical and they make some valid points.

Of course the Wikipedia entry. It speaks for itself.

I am suprised to find this article in the Christian Standard. Aren't they a staunch right wing magazine? Or am I wrong? here is the pro side.

Devotionals

Beliefnet has a look at the top ten devotionals. I am not a fan of devotionals, I usually focus on scripture and on occassion looking at the different commentaries or finding a classic from the CCEL. It is still a neet read so enjoy.

Liberalism In The Church

I am a member of The Evangelical Presbyterian Church. As far as denominations go we are a young upstart which broke off from the PC USA about 20 years ago. In a very short time more churches are leaving the PC USA to join the EPC. The reason being is many fear liberalism has taken hold of the main line denominations. Though I agree with Religious Liberal that this isn't a new phenomena it is one we should take seriously. This is part of the reason why I'm not so concerned about people putting "My Boss Is A Jewish Carpenter" bumper stickers on their cars. Falling into the trap of extreme liberalism and conservatism is easy. The messages can be safe and appealing. Who wouldn't want to be happy and contented all the time? Who doesn't want people to look at Christians in the best possible light as welcoming and loving? I admit, there are many times I feel extremely embarressed by my Christian bretheren and sisteren. Though I can see valid points for having us know sin is sin as well as discussions on social justice. But what is really important to the church as a whole and Christians individually? What really matters? What should our focus be? Where is our treasure?

Pissed Off Christians

Am I wrong or are there a lot of pissed off Christians around? They aren't pissed off at sin, or injustice, or the lack of health care they are pissed at other Christians. They are pissed because Christians are following the wrong teachers, or reading the wrong books, or for some past hurt they may have been subject to. The latter is unfortunate, but that is a risk we as Christians take in being a part of a body. I know, because it happened to me on at least two seperate occassions. Fortunately, the person who is discipling me had enough spiritual maturity to ask, "what are you so worried about? if they seek Jesus then it'll work out in the end." I became a pharisee. For the past year or so I frequented a blog called Stupid Church People and I can safely say that I understand their anger. Are there bad teachers out there? Yep, I followed them gladly. Are there bad books out there? Yep, I read those as well. I gave my tithe hoping to be blessed by God and worshipped at the political alter. In the end I am spiritually mature in some areas while being weak in others. In other words, I am a typical Christian. So for all you people out there who are bitter at the church and spend your time being pissed off at churches that won't even notice your anger.... lighten up:



I don't think this bitter separation is what God wanted.

I appologize for this rare rant. But I am getting tired of watching the church act like spoiled little kids over things that ultimately won't matter.

Two By Ken

The youth pastor I have the pleasure of not only working with, but consider a good friend as well has written a great post and you can give a listen to his most recent sermon.

Who Goes To Heaven?

I am wary to post a short video by Brian McLaren for no other reason I do not want to be a person to attack another Christian just beause they may be misguided. There are a few points where I think Mclaren is spot on, brilliant, and creative about how he sees the faith. On the other hand, there are other times I think he forgets that there are parts of Scripture that may tweek a few ears. In other words, he plays it too safe. This is a typical message which has a part of truth that is stretched a tad too far. It makes people comfortable, makes them feel warm, and well fed without any real challenge. Plus, and he's not the only guilty person, he comments about Jesus' primary message. I am beginning to wonder if Jesus ever had a primary message. When I get more time I want to look at this a little further.

Did Jesus have a primary message?

Who goes to heaven and who goes to hell? Are we too obsessed with this?

More on this later.

Also, I have a secondary blog I just started. I plan on using to post some music and videos I enjoy, sharing good links, and will be more personal in nature. If you feel like it, stop on by.

Moderation Is A Good Thing

Last month I had a post on whether Christians who drink are pushing this belief on those who don't. This lead to a good deal of response on the matter. I am attempting to read a rather heady book from Blaise Pascal. The guy was a mathmetician and physicist so of course it's going to be a bit on the heavy side. Still, there is a part of me that likes the way he thinks:

Too much and too little wine. Give him none, he cannot find truth; give him too much, the same.

The guy was French, wine may have been an aid to him. If you want to muck around this work there is a free online version from Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Other worthwile reads:
Strange Culture talks about the meaning of success and does it more successfuly than my own timid attempts.

Pastor Chryst share's his most recent sermon.

And Wilmer shares wisdom from Dave Barry.

Surviving Junior High Sunday School

I wasn't nervous. Not at all. I wasn't confident either. As I stated recently it has been almost 10 years since I have taught a sunday school lesson and for good reason. I wasn't nearly as patient a person as I am now. I yelled a lot. We have a challenging group of 6th - 8th graders. A lot of new faces to the church, a pastors kid, ones from broken homes, a few who are uber-boy/girl crazy, and the one or two who are quiet and don't want to be noticed. A normal group of kids. I was asked to teach kind of that last minute the day before Thanksgiving. Thusday I was all turkey'd out so it wasn't happening then. Friday..... still recovering, but managed to pull out a lesson on being a servant from John 13:1-17. My predecessors have been trying to teach them how to be more loving towards each other and less self-centered. Yeah right. I was just hoping that one little seed gets planted to sprout sometime later. I asked them four main questions.

1. Why did Jesus wash the disciples feet?

2. What does it mean to be a servant?

3. Why does God want us to be a servant?

4. How can we serve our church, our communities, and our family?

Thinking back on these questions now it makes me wonder how I can possibly be more of a servant to these kids? To properly humble myself and put them before myself. To not just tell them about the love of Christ, but to show it to them.

Turn Of Events

I am doing something I swore I'd never do again, teach junior high sunday school. The usual guy is not going to be around this weekend so the youth director asked me to fill in. Ugh, I tried it once a number of years ago... it didn't turn out so well. On top of that, the current teacher is planning on stepping down to focus on something else and the youth director asked that I take it over permanently. He says I was the first person he had in mind and the only person he asked. I'm not going to like, it kind of scares me a bit. For the past 10 years I have been strictly in a support capacity. My ministry has usually been to just make myself available.

Speaking of the youth director, this wednesday we had our thanksgiving dinner at church. He was holding his young son when he said, "Say Hi, to Uncle....". It brought up some old wounds. At a previous church the youth director there had his children refer to me as Uncle.... Sadly, he eventualy put my friendship aside. I didn't realize how much it had hurt me to be brushed aside like that. Especially after all the history we had.

More On Haggard

I wasn't planning on commenting on the whole Haggard fiasco (engouh people are doing that for me), but I found an interesting article at the huffington post. And Art has some sage words on the subject. I wasn't as gleeful as Art was, but I do admit I did have a sense of, "See I told you we shouldn't turn pastors into idols" smugness. Maybe it's time we stop following these guys around like they are Bob Dylan and see them as men of God with a gift who can still fall.

Christ Follower Vs. Christian

Can you tell the difference?

Hat tip to Don't Call Me Veronica for this one.

And just because he's too darn cute, my youth pastor shows off his son in his first costume.

Too Much Conversation, Too Little Action?

I keep hearing about the Christian Conversation. New voices are now being heard in a wide range of mediums. Between talk radio, books,tv programs, and now the internet we are getting covered in words. Jim Wallis points out with no small amount of glee how the conversation is starting to spread and more people are talking about social justice. Even his new label of Red Letter Christians points to the fact that there is a lot of talk going around. I agree with him. The conversation does need to change, but what about action? Christ was more than just some words he spoke. He lived them out. Whether it's feeding the five thousand, healing the sick, and even dying on the cross. I am in a small group and we are trying to come up with a way to better serve our community. We've been talking about it. If we don't do something soon it may just die on the vine. Wes in his blog shares a recent experience at a pizzaria that is doing just that. Several years ago the church I was attending at the time found a homeless man sleeping on the lawn. The police were there to escort him off the property. He had no shirt or shoes. One of the other members standing near me commented, "Can't 'insert name of ministry here' help that man?"

Here's another example of a man of Action. Mr. T helps people to not be fools.

Does God Want You To Be Rich?

Thanks again to Don't Call Me Veronica for this one. I have been a part of the prosperity Gospel in my younger days. All it did was leave me feeling that I was one of God's children and must be the worst of all sinners because I wasn't being blessed in this manner. The blessing that they offer only leads to bondage. Pray for the people who follow this teaching. Instead, pray we all have a healthier attitude about finances and learn that the greatest blessing we can ever receive is to be called his children.

Just Because We Can, Should We? Part II

Art's

Jesus drank wine - And don't tell me that it didn't contain any alcohol (like they told me in the CofC).

An occasional social drink never killed anyone (nor sent them to hell).

The problem is that this is such a downfall for so many these days...

After all Jesus might have drank wine but that doesn't mean He went on three-day benders either.

I think we must be very careful, as Christians, to avoid extremes. We shouldn't condemn those who drink responsibly nor those who abstain.

And it's not our business to condemn those who drink irresponsibly either - but we should try to help them and avoid tempting them.

There is a fine line here between trying to reach people through unconventional means and validating self-destructive behavior.

If you figure out where this line is please let me know!

The Southern Conservative
My response to this was shaped by C.S. Lewis. I think it's a sin to drink to excess... or to smoke to excess, eat to excess, etc. Doing anything is really turning something else into your god, a false idol. It messes up your priorities and gets your spiritually off track. I think that fanatical teetotalism can be a sin, too, if you turn that particular focus into a kind of false god. Anything that comes between us and God, be it drinking or even NOT drinking, can be really damaging.

But then again, I enjoy an occasional heavy stout, just as Lewis did, so maybe he (and me) came up with answers that suited. :)

Strange Culture
definitly not a sin to drink, otherwise jesus was a sinner...which he wasn't.

I personally have never even had a drop of alchol...namely because for me it is a matter of personal/private discipline, and it keeps me from falling into a temptation i can not get out of it.

Often, I feel uncomfortable when Christian's get together and are drinking, even moderatly...that, though, is my problem, and is me being judgemental.

Preachrboy
http://purposedrivendrinking.blogspot.com/

... An interesting blog.

Lutherpunk
Do I even have to type a "Lutheran" response????

I think St. Paul had the right approach. While there may benothing wrong with something in general, if it is going to be a stumbling block, then maybe it isn't the best idea.

As far the guy drinking and smoking on his blog...it is his blog and people shouldn't freak out over it. Of course, he may not have wanted to post a pic of that. Regardless, it is his space to do what he wants with. I just quit smoking last year, after smoking since middle school. When we go out dinner, I'll have beer or wine. Even this year at synod assembly I walked into a bar in my collar and saw several other collared folks enjoying a nightcap after a long day. Sometimes a little scotch takes the edge off.

Fact is, Christians have consumed alcohol throughout Christian history. I don't think we should throw that in the face of Christians who have an issue with it, but I also don't think they should be pushing their tee-totaling on those of us who do not see an issue with a cocktail.

Too_Lively
This is a greatly interesting discussion. My thoughts mirror many of the ones mentioned so far.

I do not beleive drinking or smoking to be a sin unless you do it to excess or allow it to become an idol.

As for having prayer/Bible study meetings in bars, this seems like a bad idea to me. Alcohol is a problem for too many people and asking them to meet in a bar may be putting them in danger or making them feel uncomfortable. Of course, I guess even this could be overcome if the group is a small, intimate group and everyone feels comfortable talking about issues like this.

Wes
Good comments. I like the tone and the content thus far. The only thing that I want to add is that I feel like both choices--to drink or not to drink--is often worn as a badge of honor. In doing so it is used to put oneself over and above someone else. I have talked to Christians that are very proud that they don't drink and never have. And I have met equally proud Christians that would never take such a "legalistic" (in their mind) approach to drinking. Afterall, they better understand Christian "liberty." Why do we divide over these things? Both sides bring up valid points. But it's not worth dividing over. My fear is that the world doesn't care one way or the other whether we drink in "moderation" or we don't drink at all. But they do take note of how we treat each other when we differ in such things. Thanks for opening up the conversation.

Cube Rev
Two stories that may or may not help people understand where I am coming from:

1. I have the pleasure of going to see my friends band perform at a lot of pubs and bars across the Philly region. Many of which are near colleges. Rounding about 2 AM I stopped listening to the music and instead started to pay attention to the people around me. In every corner there were people hooking up, throwing their arms around each other, but too drunk to really notice what they were doing. I saw this as a need of intimacy, a need for connection, and love. A need not getting filled only numbed or temporarily filled. I found it rather disheartening. I never got into the bar scene when I was younger. I went to a club a handful of times in my life. The only bars I go to are for dinner (there are a few that have great wings). I can understand why they go there every week. To get what they aren't getting every day of their life. Something which we as Christians take for granted. Community. Here is a ministry opportunity and I do not know how to fulfil it.

2. When I turned 30 a friend of mine threw me a b-day bash. We invited all my friends and family as well as his parents and sisters. His parents are a lot more conservative than we are so we wondered if it's a good idea to have beer at the party. After some consideration we figured it wouldn't hurt since most people I know don't drink to excess. Fast forward a few years, I find out it upset my friends parents more than I realized, to the point they were brought to tears. They recognize they are the weaker brothers and sisters as a result of this. So I come full circle. There are plenty of Christians I know who feel that way. Just because I can drink, does it mean I should. And if I were to drink or smoke, am I causing my brother and sister in Christ to sin by throwing it in their face? I agree that he has the right to post whatever he'd like on his blog. Quite frankly I don't think he has much of a problem. No more than most people. Even I felt like he was flaunting the fact he likes to drink and smoke in my face. Are we showing grace to our weaker brothers when we do such things?

Just Because We Can, Should We?

A few weeks ago Pomomusings posted a picture of himself smoking a hookah with a beer in his hand. This prompted a post on another blog which pomo has also made a response. Both make valid points and bring up the issue booze and Christianity. There are a few of you here who know my stance on drinking and smoking, but I am going to keep them to myself for the time being. Instead, I want to ask a few questions:

• It seems to be the vogue right now for Christian groups to have meetings in bars, is this a good idea? Are we preaching to the lost or just using it as an excuse to get drunk?
• There are a lot of people out there who think drinking is a sin, aren't we to help keep our weaker brothers and sisters from sinning? Because drinking has become more acceptable in the church are we now throwing in the face of those who still have a problem with it?
• Just because you feel that scripture bears out that it is okay to drink does that mean we should?
• Finally, do you think it's a sin to drink or not? Why?

If you want to respond to this you can either post it in the comments or send me an e-mail at cubicle.reverend@gmail.com

Depending on the response I get I might post them on the blog here.