Do you have a consistent time, place or practice where you intentionally focus your attention on God? We live in a world full of distractions. It is easy to go for days, maybe even weeks or months, without intentionally connecting to the only thing (the only ONE) that can keep us going for the long haul…even when we are in ministry…
Today, I would like to offer something very basic, something “elemental” that can help us be more intentional about spiritual formation in our inner life.
If you think about the world around us, it contains some basic elements. We have the earth under our feet. We feel and see the effects of the wind when it blows. We understand fire and the heat it generates. We appreciate water and our basic dependence on it not only for our bodies but also for nourishing life all around us.
Each of these elements can apply to our inner life and if given context, can help propel us forward to Christlikeness.
Earth speaks of what is solid. It refers to a life that is grounded, anchored on things that do not move. When we seek to live a grounded life, we are being intentional about being people of integrity, authenticity and humility. We are putting attention into having a healthy family life and marriage, to proper priorities and to deepening our faith.
What inspires you? What gives you life? What makes you laugh? What stirs your passions and energies? What propels you forward? These are the things that the element of wind speaks to. God never intended us to be depressed, burdened, boring people. Iranaeus of Lyon has been quoted to say, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Do you take time to do things that make you fully alive? Do you allow yourself to be inspired?
We have all felt the blaze of a hot fire. We know it’s power. The element of fire speaks to a life that is empowered. There is nothing we can do on our own, especially those things that God calls us to. We must recognize our dependence on His power, His strength and His Spirit. God-sized callings are beyond our man-sized ability to fulfill. This fact is what keeps us dependent on His power, for it is most brilliantly on display when we are beyond our own.
The last element, the element of water, speaks to a life that is communal. We are not meant to live alone. Just as water refreshes the body, healthy relationships with those we trust and with whom we have equity refresh our souls. Do you have people in your life who challenge you, who encourage you, pray for you and hold your arms up when you are tired? Do you have people to whom you have given permission to “be in your business” and hold you accountable? Do you have people to turn to when you’re struggling, knowing that they will speak truth in love? If you don’t…perhaps you should ask God to identify some people who you can intentionally build that relationship with.
I know as artists and creative leaders, sometimes we tend to be introverts. I confess that I am one to the core. We were not meant to live alone, however. We need others to speak into our lives. Just as water refreshes and brings life to the body, healthy friendships will bring you life and the strength to keep going.
As you think about these elements: earth, wind, fire and water, connect them to your own spiritual formation. Allow them to connect you to living a grounded life, an inspired life, an empowered life and a communal life. Be intentional.
These ideas are fresh to me as I just finished an online course in Spiritual Formation with Dan Wilt and www.worshiptraining.com. Below is a project I did for the class. Perhaps this prayer can be a tool for you as you start each day with intention to pursue an elemental life.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fFU3fBKJe4[/youtube]
