Growing Spiritually: Am I driving or is God?

I am about half-way through my online course in “Ministerial Leadership” with Grace Communion seminary. (I have been working toward my Master’s one class a year at a time! But now that I am not working at Starbucks I may be able to do two a year. At any rate . . .)

I would like to share with you some quotes and insights from one of the books I am reading for the class.  The book is “Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation” by M. Robert Mulholland Jr.  It is one of the best and most fascinating books I’ve read on spiritual formation/disciplines/practices.  Here is the quote:
“I do not know what your perception of Christian discipleship might but, but much contemporary Christian spirituality tends to view the spiritual life as a static possession rather than a dynamic and ever-developing growth toward wholeness in the image of Christ.  When spirituality is viewed as a static possession, the way to spiritual wholeness is seen as the acquisition of information and techniques that enable us to gain possession of the desired state of spirituality.  Discipleship is perceived as “my” spiritual life and tends to be defined by actions that ensure possession.  Thus the endless quest for techniques, methods, programs by which we hoe to “achieve” spiritual fulfillment.  The hidden premise behind all of this is the unquestioned assumption that we alone are in control of our spirituality.  In brief, we assume we are in control of our relationship with God.” (pg. 12)

How do we view our spiritual journey and our relationship with God?  Do we tend to try to conform God to our agenda and purpose or do we submit to his?  I think most of us know that our relationship with God is the most important thing we could concern ourselves with.  All too often, I’m afraid, we take steps to control or drive the relationshp rather than letting him take control.  We participate in diciplines or practices (prayer, bible study, going to church, etc.) so that he will do what we want him to do. “God will you do this for me? Take me out of this problem.  Make it go away. Give me a new job.  Heal me.”  So we “do” things that we think put God in our debt.  “See God, I prayed three times a week for a month so now you have to deliver.” “God, I am doing all the right things so now it is your turn to do your part.”  And usually “God’s part” is pretty well defined and outline by us.  We have in mind that if we do certain things then God will do certain things – and it better look like and come out the way we want it too.  These are faulty assumptions and is not a very healthy way to approach a relationship with him (or anybody else for that matter.)  This kind of thinking and intent puts us in the “driver’s seat” and trying to control the relationship.

Holistic spirituality is a journey, a pilgrimage of ever-deepening responsiveness to God’s control of our life.  Spiritual disciplines are things we offer to God, they are places we put ourselves for God to work on us to transform us, to mold us into the image of Christ, not things we do so we can work on God and change him into our image.  But this takes the control our of our hands.  It is hard to give up isn’t it?

Let’s view spirituality as a journey and see spiritual wholeness as an increasingly faithful response to God, his purpose and plans for us.  Let’s give control over to God.  Today, ask yourself, “Who is driving?”

PMark

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