The older I get, the simpler that I am wanting to make things.
Lately, I have been mulling for the million+ time about spirituality. Then since I am a follower of Christ bringing it down into what is the purpose ?
I think that we can/should/need to look at Jesus and you know what - I bet you know this - he was asked a very similar question.
His response:
Love God, Love Others.
See there you go. There are the four words.
Love is the key and love is to be directed to two areas. Those areas are:
God and Others.
We need to be in relationship with God and others.
2 Relationships.
See, how simple it is. We need to have relationships with God and others and it needs to be wrapped up in love.
Now, can I ask you a question. To my 20+ readers, please respond. Why do we make it so difficult ?
The thoughts and writings on this blog are the thoughts of Jeff and do not necessarily represent the views of Grace First Parish of Russell and/or Lutheran Campus Ministry of Southwest Minnesota State University.
6 comments:
Because defining what it means to love both God and others is a complex matter.
Matt:
Hmmm
In what aspects do you think that it is a complex matter ?
I want to make sure that we are tracking.
BTW, I have a June 16th appointment
The simplicity of it causes us arrogant humans to stumble.
While simple, loving is hard!
When we gather into groups, we tend to become self serving.
It defies most church organization and steers us away from control, and manipulation.
It doesn't come with a guaranteed payback.
Once hurt, the knee jerk reaction is toward isolation.
When you love, you will get hurt (sometimes).
Glenn:
It is hard. There is no doubt about it. But, it is so simple.
We are so self-centered that we make it almost impossible at times to achieve.
Now, the topic that you bring up about control and manipulation is obviously a whole different segment that a lot of people have been wrestling with.
BUT
if the church is serious about following the words of Christ, WE MUST strip ourselves of most things so we can focus on these two relationships.
The isolation is something that many are dealing with and ties in with the community that some are blogging on.
We need to push ourselves though because isolation is not what god has designed us for.
Jeff ~ I couldn't agree more! Thanks for getting this conversation rolling.
Glen:
You are welcome. There is so much I want to say in this area but ....
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