Last Week In Review Sunday 7/08/07

On Monday, I talked about the true meaning of being spiritual and that it is not otherworldly mystical reality. On Tuesday, I discussed how our spirituality comes into play when we encounter “wet floors” in our lives. On Wednesday, the theme was “stuff like that” and how “stuff” can either weaken or strengthen our spirituality. On Saturday, I tried to remind us to keep the main thing the MAIN Thing. Because of what happened at the cross, we do not have to let the “stuff” in our lives keep us from realizing God’s expectations.

Below are some comments I have responded to.

“The last several months I have been praying for God to fill me till I want no more; I hate to admit my thoughts and burden others with my loneliness and short comings.” It is very rare that God requires us to deal with our “stuff” alone. He gave us the desire to belong to a larger whole; a romantic relationship, a family, a work environment, a social club, platonic friendships, etc. It is us up to us to discern how those “larger wholes” can help us in our times of need.

“The only way I am able to be rooted and grounded in my spirituality as you call it is through and in the word of God…other wise I am sure I am not capable of doing the right thing and responding from the heart…” I hear your point, but let me humbly suggest that you indeed are CAPABLE of doing the right things. That is how God has made you (and everyone else), but we let “stuff” trick us into thinking that doing ungodly things is more natural.

“I certainly would love to hear more on this subject of "Oh! That is Spiritual" instead of what spiritual is not.” Isn’t it strange we often find it easier to say what something is not rather than what it is? Being spiritual IS a reflection of the quality of our relationship to God and it is most evident when confronted with ungodly thoughts or actions. For example, our spirituality is not affirmed by our attendance at church or reading the bible or singing in the choir. Rather, it is accurately measured when we are faced with sexual temptation or seriously considering retaliating against someone or struggling with loneliness and depression.

“Is it at all possible to hinder or ignore this help God is sending to us Christians…by crossing the line in our relationships?” Who draws the lines in our relationships? If we cross man-made lines, what is the risk? However, if we cross the lines that God has drawn, then perhaps there are bigger problems and dangers we are facing. For example, God may have placed someone in our lives to be our “buddy”, but we have made them our lover. Or this person was meant to be our soul mate, but we only reached a friendship level. In both instances, we lose out on God’s favor.

“It seems my journey is to go alone but, is it myself that is causing the loneliness?” One thing many singles struggle with is truly discerning God’s will concerning their social and romantic lives. We wonder if we will ever find true love or if we will ever have truly good friends? Discerning God’s will is more of an art than a science. By that I mean there are not firm formulas. All I can say is to develop as close a relationship to God as possible and that will position you to truly hear what He is trying to tell you. Extended periods of loneliness are the result of an unclear understanding of God’s specific will

“It's good to see that you are back. Next time you need a break either physically or mentally, just let the people know. Okay?” I need a break more times than you may realize!! While a lot of my time and energies are spent on trying to help other singles, I have to trust that God will attend to my needs It is my intention that whatever I do is not directed at anyone, but is consistent with my understanding of God’s will for me at that time. Thus, whatever I do whenever I do, trust God to provide you what you need.

“For you are correct Mr. Writer, everyone else has gone on about their business and they are too busy to notice what someone else is dealing with…but certainly not too busy to notice the games we play with one another; how attractive or unattractive someone else is; how fat or skinny an individual is; a bad hair day; if you are torn-up from the floor-up and someone’s mishaps or “stuff” but I challenge you with the question is that the way God truly intended for it to be?” At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, I think you are giving God too much credit here. Now before you try to drown me in holy waters, let me explain. God has given us free will and it is up to us to make the right choices. But, we also have the option of making the wrong choices. God’s intention is that we get along and that we inspire and support each other. Unfortunately, we sometimes choose to tear down instead of build up.

“As we look back in bible times, God was always amongst the unbelievers, simply looking for opportunities to bless, to heal, to restore; to help; to feed the hungrier” Not sure what you mean here. In the bible times you refer to, are you referring to the old testament or the new testament or both? One could make an argument that God tried different “approaches” with mankind. The short version would be “the law” (old testament)” and “grace” (new testament). One thing that is consistent throughout both testaments is that God used people to bless, heal, restore, help and feed. I would suggest that is the larger point to be made.

“So we have to be careful when we use the term being there for each other. Cause as women, we get "emotional". I know I do and I look deeper into things than I really need to. Just cause you are here to help does not mean you are to be my romantic interest.” You may be on to something with the comment about women being “emotional”. But, from your experience as a woman, do you feel your emotions help or hinder your spirituality? Do you think men’s emotions have the same spiritual impact?