I Am Spiritual, Not Religious...

Have you ever heard someone say, "I am spiritual, not religious?"  Perhaps you have thought this or said this of yourself.  I know I have said this in the past, for my own reasons.  Recently, I've had a number of people ask me what this means.  Here's my best attempt.

For the most part, I think people use this statement when they believe they have a belief and a connection with God, a higher power, etc., but don't want to be lumped into a group of people believed to be holier-than-thou, or those who say one thing but do another.  Maybe they don't want to be seen as a "churchy" type person who attends services where lots of people don't understand what's going on.  At least, this is the case for me when I used to profess this. 

But over the last few years, I have a new found understanding of spirituality and religion.  For me, spirituality is my relationship with God - my belief, my connection.  Religion is the way in which I express my spirituality to God and to others.  In my case it is Christianity, the United Methodist church, attending church services, serving to the community, and (hopefully) reflecting the character of God in what I do.  So now I am not ashamed to say that I am spiritual and I am religious. 

Again, I think most people use this statement as a defense against religion(s) gone astray.  They don't want to be associated with the bad parts of religion.  Maybe they want to be seen as part of a better way, a higher way, a spiritual but not rigid belief system that is truly loving, giving, and accepting of all people no matter what.  I like to think this of myself.

However, I realize that I am included in the not-so-good parts of religion(s), just as much as I am a part of a society whose past is stained with hatred, segregation, and killing.  Just because I try to treat people with dignity, respect, and equality doesn't mean that racism, sexism, ageism, and religious persecution doesn't exist today.  Sadly it does.  Our culture is a result of countless "isms," and religion still goes astray at times. 

Jesus had lots to say to people who claimed to be religious - those who thought themselves to be higher and better than others.  These people were so busy touting their "authority" and "position" that they did not recognize that the Creator had (in the words of Eugene Peterson) moved into the neighborhood.  They didn't understand that Jesus came to show us where to focus our attention - on loving God the Creator, and loving God's creation.  They focused on religion, and religion went astray. 

So I think it is okay to be religious - as long as it is not religiosity.  We need to guard against religion that covertly or overtly separates, segregates, oppresses, and creates hierarchies.  And I think those who see themselves as spiritual, not religious can embrace religion as a chosen expression of how they reflect their spirituality. 

If we want the definition of religion to change, then we (paraphrasing Gandhi) need to be the change.  We are all part of change. 

Renewing Our Minds

One thing I like about being United Methodist is what we call our connectionalism.  That's just a big fancy-shmansy word reminding us that we are not in this life alone.  We are not created for individualism; we are created for connection and community.  Yet, our western culture screams at us to look out for number one; what's in it for me?; me, me, me...  I still get caught up in this type of thinking.  I'll be honest, I've had a lot of practice throughout my life - not that I'm proud of that.

But...I'm a part of this culture.  I can't escape it; it's all around me.  And that's okay.  God intended me to live in a culture.  That's part of the human experience.  But, I don't have to let the culture overtake me.  Lately I've been pondering the question, "what makes the church any different than any other organization?"  Our youth director further cements this thought when he tells the youth, "anyone can what we do; what makes us any different?" 

I think part of what makes the church different (or at least it should) is that it is (should be) a place where we renew our minds - and hearts and souls.  In Paul's letter to the Romans (12.2), he writes, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God..."  So church should be the place where we learn how to renew our thoughts - to learn God's ways - so that our hearts are transformed, so that our actions are transformed into ones that reflect the character and will of God.  The will of God.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  As it is (already being done) in heaven.  Wow! 

And when I say church is the place where we renew our minds, I don't just mean a building.  I mean church the people; church the connection; church the community.  We're human; therefore, we live and experience life in human ways.  The church should be radical and should offer radical hospitality and radical love - like Jesus.  The church should not reflect the culture - that's what other groups do.  We're created to reflect our Creator.  We live in the culture, but don't need to be conformed to the culture.  We need to live in the culture, yet reflect the character of God - radical hospitality and radical love. 

We are all given daily opportunities to offer radical hospitality and love - even if we don't recognize it.  Allowing someone to cut in front of us in traffic might not seem like radical hospitality, but most of us don;'t think to offer the spot.  Our time is important; we need to get to where we're going.  But...so is the person's who cuts in front of me.  Stopping everything I'm doing in order to have lunch with someone who desperately needs a positive influence in their life might not seem like radical love.  But.. to the person whose life is full of violence and chaos, it might just be the few minutes of respite and respect they need.

Renew our minds: contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers; pray for those who might be making our lives miserable; take the time to learn that behind someone's "undesirable" behavior is a life's story full of contributing factors that no one sees.  Practice peace. 

May your mind be renewed and encouraged today.

A Lighter Note For the Weekend

Hey friends.  This week's blog posting may not be chock full of impressive spiritual nuggets for you to chew on for a while.  Instead, it might just be a way for you to unwind after your week and prepare for your weekend.

Apparently my Beggars CAN Be Choosers entry got quite a few people thinking, reacting, and actually finding themselves in situations that tested this idea :-)  Well...thank you to all who posted, texted, and called to let me know how you were challenged.

As this week draws to a close, I reflect back on a few things from this week that I'd like to share.  First: from our great youth director's mini lesson to our kids.  He posed this question: How much stuff do you have?  Well, I thought, I know exactly how much stuff I have because we just moved.  So...a whole 18 wheeler packed top to bottom front to back's worth, mister.  That's how much.  All this was in my head, as I didn't want to take away from the youth.

Then he read some scripture about how we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and might.  Afterwards this thought was posed to the kids: It's obvious what our heart and minds are; so what do you suppose might is, and how do we love God with all our might?  Suddenly one hears the sounds of crickets chirping and the blank look of "Uhhhhhhhh" on all our faces - yes, even mine.  After a few seconds of painful Uhhhhh-ness, in a sheepish but firm voice, she answers: our stuff.  Why yes, that's right!!!  Our stuff.

Dang it, I thought!!!!  Why didn't I see this coming?  Of course, our stuff!  But then it really hit me - dang it!!!!!  I'm supposed to love God with all my stuff.  Am I?  Wellllllllllll...I try to, but I'm probably falling short.  Granted, in an entire 18 wheeler full of stuff, some of it probably falls short of loving God.  'Nuff said about stuff.  It just got me thinking about how we truly can love God in countless numbers of creative ways; like God does with us!

Secondly: it's back to school time (or darn close).  So for all of you who are going back to school, I wish you the best.  For those of you going to new schools and embarking on new educational adventures, I wish you enjoyment.  For all the parents who buy glue sticks and glitter and cell phones and computers and GPS units, I wish you peace of mind and spirit.

Fall is another busy time of year, so let's not forget to take time out of our busy schedules to tell the ones we love that we love them.  Remember the blessings we have come in lots of different shapes, colors, sizes, and stuff.

Peace...

Beggars CAN Be Choosers (Or a Preview of This Sunday's Message)

Beggars can be choosers?  That doesn't much sound like the ol' familiar expression that most of us have heard.  I was always taught that beggars shouldn't be choosy - that they should be thankful for what is given to them, because it was given out of a good heart.  Hmmm.  Hold the phone a minute. 

If someone comes to me with a need, and I take the beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude, in essence I am making them meet me where I am.  I am not meeting them where they are.  It would be as if someone who is hungry asks me for food, and I give them peanut butter sandwiches over and over and over and over.  Not that there's anything wrong with peanut butter sandwiches, but what if that person really wants a steak, or a grilled cheese, or a bowl of chili?  My serving them what I want to serve them sends the message that they are not important enough for me to consider their needs.  It places me above others.  They are an interruption in my routine.  They are an inconvenience while I am serving 'from my heart.'  The beggars-can't-be-choosers attitude happens when I forget what it's like to be an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion. 

And on a side note...what's up with this 'they' thing?  Me/they, us/them: that separates us.  It places the giver above the receiver in some hierarchy of humanity.  It's as if I am never in need.  Really? 

Reality time: I am an outsider and a beggar in need of compassion.  I come to God with my needs, and what does God offer me?  Choices.  God meets me where I am.  God never makes me come up to God's level.  And it's a good thing, because I could never get there.  As Eugene Peterson writes, The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.  We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.  God comes to us and spends time where we are.  How cool is that?  And borrowing from Donald Miller, when I accept that there is nothing I can do to earn God’s grace – there’s no amount of righteous living; and there’s nothing I can give to God - I’m given a kingdom in return.  I get all of God; God doesn't hold back. 

So the next time I go to God in need, I'll remember that I can have a peanut butter sandwich if I ask for one.  But God will wait until I ask, and God will respect where I am and what I need.  May I be so accepting of others that I meet them where they are, because God does. 

Illness and Who we Are

It's difficult to be ill.  And, to be honest, sometimes it seems unfair and just plain sucks.  But illness is a part of this human experience.  Have you ever wondered why that is?  What good does it do for our human bodies to break down and cause us distress?  Why is it that some folks seem to have it all together - they're strong and healthy - while others never seem to rise from the throes of illness?  Does God like some people more than others?  It sure seems that way when you're sick, or if you have a loved one struggling or suffering.

While I can't speak for God as to why people get sick, I can say that illness does not define who we are - even if we have a terminal physical illness or a severe mental illness.  I have worked with lots of people who struggle both physically and mentally, and I always remind them that humans are more than who we are at any given moment.  God doesn't define us by where we are in our lives; God looks at the bigger picture.  God sees the total picture of who we are individually and how we fit into the family of humanity.  We are more than our sufferings.

So that also means that the good times, the successes in our lives, and the times we are healthy - they also don't define who we are.  Because, these too are temporary.  Sure the good times feel better and make us happy.  But we are also more than the warm fuzzy times in our lives. 

Think about your life.  What do you like/dislike?  What about your morning routine?  Do you prefer coffee, tea, water, soda, or something else?  What colors do you like/dislike?  What type of music do you like/dislike?  Are you a church goer or sleeper-in?  Are you married or single?  Do you like/dislike Chinese food?  Have you been to college?  Do you like/dislike to read?  What are your hopes and dreams?  Have you traveled to many places?  What's your favorite childhood memory?  Who has been your greatest influence?  Upon whom have you been an influence?  And on and on and on...  There are too many questions to ask.  That's because we are a wonderful whole picture.  If we could stand back and see our pictures, we would see glorious individual colors that work together to make our picture whole.  We would not see one bland color.  God doesn't stir the colors of our lives together to make gray or tan.  God pieces the colors together - including the colorful pieces of illness.  Granted, these pieces might be gray, tan, or even black, but they are only pieces of our lives' pictures.

I know it's often difficult to see outside of illness.  But please remember - we are more than who we are at any given moment in time.  We are timeless creations who God fashioned.  We are important and we matter - simply because we are.  

The Tough Choices

Well...let me start by saying that I know that not a lot of people read my blogs.  I am not famous, don't claim to be, don't really care to be.  Yet, what I will write might make the few readers I do have uncomfortable, mad, or even cry.  You might question whether or not you want to continue reading my posts.

We face tough choices every day.  Some of us face more tough choices than others; unfortunately that is reality.  The hot topic right now seems to be what our government will do about the pickle we're in.  I'm not here to offer any solutions or take sides or point fingers.  I just want to remind us that we all face tough choices every day - some more than others.  Do I want to pay more taxes?  Honestly, not really, but that answer means that I'm probably not facing the tough choices others face.  I have worked with people who actually had to choose between heating oil and medicine.  I have worked with people who have had to choose between paying rent or buying food.  So, do I want to pay more taxes.  I'll say yes if it means that I can keep my dwelling place, and simultaneously have food, medicine, and heat or AC. 

Do I think the government spends too much?  Well...yes, because we're in a deficit.  Do I think the majority of folks in the U.S. spend too much?  Unfortunately, I say yes to that, too.  How come?  Because, in the words of John Perkins, a lot of us have taken our wants and say they are our needs; and we have taken our needs and say they are our rights.  I'll be honest with you - I like nice things.  I would love to own a muscle car with an engine and exhaust system that that rumbles one of the best symphonies I've ever heard.  That's just me.  If I buy one, does this make me a bad person?  No.  If I don't buy one, does this make me a good person?  Sorry, 'fraid not.  I think we all need to cut back on spending, but not on giving.  I don't mean giving of taxes or money, I mean compassionate, give-till-it-hurts giving.

For those of us blessed with choices of stuff, we need to make tough choices.  When is enough?  When is too much?  How much can I give away?  Where am I needed?  Who needs my love, my service, my friendship?  Who can I make a meal for?  Who can I send to college because I've been and college will change someone's life!  Who can I buy a house for?  Who needs medicine?  Who needs me to visit them because no one else will? 

I'm not trying to preach or point fingers or condemn anyone.  I just want to challenge us to remember the tough choices in our lives - and in others' lives.  Can our tough choices help make someone else's life better?  If so, then this, I believe, will help dig us all out of deficit thinking, acting, spending, loving.  I still want my muscle car, and if I get one I just hope it's not at the expense of someone I could have helped.

God is Everywhere

So this Sunday I'm preaching for the first time at the new digs here in Hickory, NC.  I'll be speaking about how God knows us and is always with us, referencing Psalm, 139, particularly verses 7 through 10.  It's believed that Psalm 139 was written after the Israelites' deliverance from exile, and the psalmist writes about God's "inscapable presence" (J. Clinton McCann, Jr.).  What powerful words the psalmist writes: "Where can I go from your spirit?  Or where can I flee fro your presence?"  In the midst of the dark days of exile in a strange and hostile foreign land, the psalmist notes that "even darkness is not dark to you..."

And that got me thinking about the darkness in my life.  Sometimes darkness is thrust upon me - a trying time, an injury, concern about friends who were in an accident, etc.  Sometimes I thrust myself into darkness - poor choices, letting myself get anxoius about little things in life, self-doubt, etc.  Yet, even this darkness is not darkness to God.  And if God does not see my 'self-inflicted' darkness as darkness, maybe...just maybe...I don't have to see it as darkness too.  And if I don't see it as darkness, maybe...just maybe...the poor choices will become better choices.  If I believe as God believes - that darkness isn't something I have to be afraid of - I am actively participating in the life into which God invites me.  A life that fights to end poverty and injustices.  A life that includes, not excludes.  A life that leaves a gift to the family of the earth.  A life that helps bring people out of their darkness and into marvelous light. 

So whether our darkness is externally or internally originted, God knows us and is always with us.  God pushes us to look outside the walls of where we are most comfortable.  God will challenge us, no doubt.  But great things can manifest as the result of challenges.  Let us rise to our challenges knowing that God knows us and is everywhere with us.