I am amazed at how much I have learned over the years. It seems that at some point –– and I have no idea when that is –– you would pretty much know what you are going to know. I can confirm that is, of course, absolutely not true. (Relax, younger readers!) Our journeys can include endless learning, if we choose to make it so.
Today’s post is on the idea that spiritual formation is a slow process. I could easily say the same for our understanding of financial or relationship matters. We evolve, learn, grow, and are able to be better for it.
I am not sure how I got on this idea of “spiritual formation.” Perhaps it started with Rachel Held Evan’s book, “Inspired,” which is a story of how in her 30’s she pretty much started to second guess everything she had learned in church. She wanted “something more” and was willing to be intentional about finding out what that was. She found out that if she really started to go deeper, that the (what she calls) “magical stories” in the Bible make more sense when understood within proper historical background, and context. It feels like, that for the most part, the vast majority of people (including me until a few years ago) thought the stories in the Bible progressed chronologically somehow, which honestly doesn’t even make sense, but they don’t teach you that in Sunday School. There is so much left on the table.
“Spiritual Formation” speaks to the ordinary maturing of our faith in the context of our personal beliefs and values, no matter what those may be. For me, it’s the Christian faith. But again, it stands true regardless. (I should point out here, that I am not using the same spiritual formation term that some religious groups feel is controversial, i.e. trying to suggest a change to the doctrine.)
For me, it is clear that God gave us these amazing human minds, and he wants us to use them so that we can grow and help others grow. The primary form of educating is storytelling in the New Testament and in that, Jesus is often found asking thoughtful questions of the people. This was clearly what he felt was the best way to get them actually “thinking” and exploring the truth and meanings and better yet, how those learnings inform and impact their lives.
Today’s insight is to simply point out that our progress is indeed a lifelong and “slow” process. We have the power to develop our thinking through solid information, reflection, collaboration and prayer. I believe we would evolve in a positive way within our societies, communities, work places and homes if we ask of ourselves to go deeper and begin the long road of learning with the intent to understand and not merely accept all that we hear, read, etc at face value. Praying for you all and our country during this historic week.
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