What Difference Should Spirituality Make?
Chapel at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre
When I was a kid, we sang a song at church with a line that moved me, even if the music wasn’t my favourite: “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Most of my friends and neighbours without faith have thoughts about Christians – but it’s pretty rare that they talk about our immense love. Lent has arrived in my corner of the world, and most people know this as a season for giving up chocolate. The gap between what faith ought to be and how it is practiced begs the question: What difference should spirituality make?
It’s not an easy time to choose to be a person of faith. Many of the people I love have chosen a different path. They are not wrong that churches are filled with people capable of great evil, that our structures and teachings need to be constantly held up to the standard of the Truth we seek, that we don’t always live what we believe.
And yet, I have not felt called to walk away. I’ve been captivated by the God who is Love, and by the teaching and witness of Jesus. This doesn’t mean I never wrestle with doubt or struggle with faith. But, if I get to the end of my life and find out that I was wrong about religion, I will not be sorry to have been a disciple. Jesus’ way of Love, his commitment to serve those who suffer most, his invitation to be set free by grace – this is the best way I have found to live.
I am increasingly convinced, however, that the external practice of religion too often becomes disconnected from spiritual transformation. Calling this out is risky; it is precisely the criticism that Jesus had of the Pharisees. All people of faith need to constantly be mindful that we do not mistake spiritual/religious observation or piety for conversation to Love.
For years in my speaking work, I’ve been defining healthy spirituality as the practices that allow us to live peacefully in reality. Healthy Christian spirituality is the intentional practices which draw us closer to God and to each other as we make peace with reality and endeavour to participate in God’s saving plan for humanity. If our religion (or any other belief system) doesn’t foster healthy spirituality, then I think we ought to find one that does.
As we consider Lenten disciplines then, I think we need to really deeply consider what transformation God is most asking of us in this season of our lives. Then we need to make some well-discerned and practical steps towards cooperation with that growth. (Notably, it is unlikely that what God wants most for any of us is to fit in a smaller pant size.) Our spiritual disciplines should be clearly connected to the action of grace in us.
If I am struggling to find deep joy in my life, there may be a call to address that. Healthy spiritual disciplines might include making counselling appointments, using a gratitude journal daily, or making scheduled time for things that allow us to taste joy.
If I am burnt out and exhausted, it may be a sign of a call to deep rest. Setting an earlier bedtime, reducing stressors, or seeking out supports and help might be great ideas for Lent.
If I am carrying resentments or grudges, God may be inviting healing. Spiritual participation might look like making amends, setting boundaries, or becoming willing to seek forgiveness or reconciliation.
Where we are absorbed in shopping, wasteful practices, and ignorance, we may be called to increased generosity and service. We might be wise to practice abstaining from these practices and giving more of our time, talent and treasure away for free.
Admittedly, this work is much harder than giving up chocolate for Lent. And, it has the potential to transform not only our own souls, but also the world. What if our spiritual practice actually made Christians those who were known for our great love for others? For our tremendous generosity and courage in caring for others.
I ache for the transformation God has to work in me. And I pray for the followers of Jesus to be full of grace for the sake of the world. May our faith make us into Love.
