Wednesday Poll
Recently I have been re-reading Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. It seems that superficiality is the curse of our culture. Foster often says in the book that the doctrine of instant satisfaction is the primary spiritual problem. I love this quote found in the book…
“I go through life as a transient on his way to eternity, made in the image of God but with that image debased, needing to be taught how to meditate, to worship, to think.”
So today, I am looking for some feedback…(the comments are open too). How about some honesty and vulnerability…
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Categories: Bible, New Beginnings Church
Well… in my state of mind when I read the quote, I pictured a transient, no where to call home, unkept, loney, empty, holding on day after day, wondering around, searching but not really knowing what they were searching for. I think before I was a christian, I was that person. Searching trying to fill that empty hole I had in my heart, I wasn’t happy, I was just holding on day after day, and very much empty inside. The need to be taught to meditate, to worship, to think. I believe that is discipling. Something that I thank God I received as soon as I stood up from the alter where I ask God to first forgive me and then to come into my life. People there for me, when I had a question, they were there. If I stumble, they were there, people that just did not speak of God, but I saw God in their lives. There have been times since I became a christian that I have stumble, and sometimes I have felt like I am wondering in a circle. But it is never because of God, it is because of me, I’m not staying plugged in with Him. He is always faithful.
Hopefully this is on the right path, if not I am sorry!!!
I recall the book from fifteen years ago or so; the quote came at the right time. I was pondering if there were any regrets as I as sat around the iron stove heating the living room this morning in Indiana. Today a group of people will celebrate the life of one passing from here to there. I realize during my meditation I can worship all that is given, think of how it came to be and from that I am allowed to draw closer to the Creator.
The spiritual discipline I find most helpful isn’t on the list, but it’s really valuable for me–silence.
Hey Shane, where is the option……..
—-Driving/Praising/Singing/Praying in the quiet moments in the car???? Some of my most rewarding conversations with the Lord happen right there…behind the wheel!
Bonnie and Angela have made a great observation…the discipline of silence is included in Foster’s book…and should be on the list. I admit this is probably one of the most meaningful disciplines to me as well.
Another discipline that is often overlooked is the discipline of simplicity…
I agree with Angela and Bonnie. My most spiritually rewarding time is in the car with worship music in the CD player or silence. Another spiritually rewarding time was spent at the Franciscan Prayer Center in Independence. I deliberately spent 24 hours there praying and fasting at one point in my life. At times I hunger for that time again.