The effort to be still

I read the box of my herbal tea today while I wait for it to brew.

I pause and reflect at this truth.

To be still sometimes requires great effort.

Even in prayer.  I labor to be still.  To be quiet.

There is noise.

At this moment.

My little guy is shouting singing Homeschool Blues by Tim Hawkins.

Are we ever in a noiseless place.  Not just sound.  But our minds.  Are we still with our minds at rest.  Ready to receive.

It’s in this quiet place we can hear.  We can re-evaluate.  A shifting of gears.

Spiritual reflection.

Simplicity.

Peace.

Be still.

Mired in a culture that rewards hard work and busyness, it’s not surprising that tens of millions of self-identified Christians have confused religious activity with spiritual significance and depth. For instance, four out of ten self-identified Christian adults (39%) have participated in a combination of three “normal” religious activities in the past week (i.e., attending church services, praying, reading the Bible). But far fewer have engaged in another trio of deeper faith expressions: less than one out of ten have talked about their faith with a non-Christian, fasted for religious purposes, and had an extended time of spiritual reflection during the past week. Various spiritual disciplines – including solitude, sacrifice, acts of service, silence, and scriptural meditation – are also infrequently practiced.

…people often fail to realize that the end game of spiritual development is godly character, not worldly accomplishments. God does not need His followers to achieve things on His behalf in order for them to become more acceptable or valuable to Him. The research also indicated that sometimes people get so wrapped up in finishing church programs or producing specific religious results that they lose sight of the purpose of their faith, which is to have a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Barna noted that it becomes easy to substitute laudable religious activity for intentional and simple engagement with God. American Christians, in particular, have become known for doing good works and religious exercises rather than simply being friends and imitators of Christ.

The Barna Group – Self-Described Christians Dominate America but Wrestle with Four Aspects of Spiritual Depth

Make the effort.

Be still.

 

You may enjoy reading these articles in a quiet place…

• Barna: What Self-Described Christians Must Overcome (5ptsalt.com)
• Pollster George Barna has published a new book… (fellowshiproom.org)