John David’s Monday Morning Musings
On The Back Page
Spiritual vs. Chronological Age
June 17, 2009
It is interesting to see where my mind goes when I step outside of my comfort zone,
and discover what Spirit, through scripture, has to say about the spaces I have chosen to live in.
In recent days I have been reflecting on a “teaching moment” based on 2 Corinthians chapter 5, and verse 11 of 1 Corinthians 13. These passages invite an exploration of the difference in our spiritual and our chronological ages.
In the first passage Nicodemus is told he must be “born again.” Nicodemus, at that moment, did not understand that Jesus was taking about a spiritual not a physical birthing process. In the second passage after a discourse on examples of what true love means, the writer tells us that when he was a child he spoke and acted like a child. As he became older, he put away childish things and acted maturely.
No one would be happy if a baby remained a baby mentally, emotionally, or physically while it grew older. Couldn’t the same be true of us spiritually?
If we put the majority of our emphasis on our “salvation experience” (a spiritual birth) and very little by comparison, to growing and maturing in our faith, haven’t we in essence, remained spiritual infants?
One indicator of where we are spiritually might include asking ourselves if our life emphasis is inward (self oriented) or external (others oriented).
One hallmark of maturity (physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual) is an increasing awareness of the world around us and our involvement in it. When something happens is our first response, “How does this affect me” or is it “How can I help someone else deal with this in a positive manner?
In the context of these thoughts it helps to look at the difference in “childish” and “childlike” behaviors. Psychologists tell us that maintaining a childlike involvement with life is an important ingredient in maturing. Childlike behavior involves a curiosity about the world around us. New things fascinate a growing, maturing child. Everywhere they go they are looking at and exploring what they see.
How long has it been since there was something new in our lives? Have we tasted a new food, flavor of ice cream, or watched a new TV program lately?
It is my observation that if there is nothing new in our lives over a significant period of time, we may be in danger of ending our growth cycle.
Let’s take a moment and think about the joy we experienced when a child experienced something new and could not wait to tell us about it. Recall the look on their face as they told us, with great excitement, everything they knew about this new thing. Didn’t we enjoy the time and the moment? Weren’t we glad they shared their joy with us? Wasn’t life a little brighter as a result of that precious time?
I think we could have that moment again -- simply by sharing a fresh experience with someone near us.
When Jesus invited Nicodemus to be “born again” I believe he was speaking about new life in ALL of its’ many dimensions. Allowing ourselves to experience a spiritual rebirth takes us from a routine “looking for something to do – one day is the same” existence into a life with a reason to get up on the morning. It can take us from “getting by” to “I can’t wait for the next day to come.”
The same can be true of a physical, emotional and/or psychological rebirth experience.
I don’t observe Jesus being in the world to maintain the status quo. He said he came that we might have life and have it ABUNDANTLY. I'm more than ready to experience a bit more life. Might that be true for you as well?
I am, TODAY committing to experiencing a childlike joy, starting today, by including some new things in my life. In no priority order this is my "Thought Starter" list. I'd love to know what you put on your list.
1. Try a different brand of cereal.
2. Learn a new word or phrase in Spanish.
3. Read a new newspaper/Internet columnist.
4. Read a Bible passage that is unfamiliar to me and do it using a translation other than the four that are my favorites.
5. Look through my closet and find something that I have not worn in a long time and put it on.
6. Call someone with whom I have not spoken in a while.
7. Go for a walk around my block and say “hello” to at least two people that I see.
8. Look closely at something in my surroundings and challenge myself to find something new or long forgotten about, relating to that item.
I noticed that only one of these required an expenditure of money. Everything else required only that I hear and choose to accept the invitation of Jesus to experience a new birth.
I am reminded about the American passion and search for the “Fountain of Youth.” Millions of dollars are spent trying to find that magic potion.
Guess what? That “potion” has been available for thousands of years and we don’t have to spend a penny for it.
The “Fountain of Youth” is available to us if we are willing to accept the invitation given to us. If we are committed to the “tried and true, trying this should be a no brainer.
Thanks God. You have given me the plan.
I choose to get busy and work YOUR plan.
Thanks for your time.
John-David thelajohndavid@gmail.com
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