“You can’t know God deeply while being a stranger to yourself. I meet many people who say they know God but who don’t know themselves. Jesus addresses . . . naming this reality. He doesn’t let us live on the surface. He calls us deeper. Behavior modification without interior examination eventually leads to spiritual desolation.”- Rich Villodas
As Rich Villodas moves on in Chapter 1 of The Narrow Path, he stresses the possibility of serving God without walking with Him. In other words, you may walk on the broad path and not know it. Consequently, God desires to form the entirety of us. And part of that formation requires us to name our false assumptions about Him. And about the ‘good life.’
As a result, Rich sees moralism, success-ism, and individualism as signs of walking on the broad path. In addition, these three problems converge to serve as the root of our spiritual brokenness. Today Pastor Villodas looks at the first two signs.
1. Moralism. First, Rich underscores, we need to focus on external behavior as well as internal examination. Thus, it’s important to engage in the prayerful practice of examining the values, motives, and feelings we harbor. Because the possibility of bondage to those internal messages lies in all of us.
Therefore, Rich cautions:
“The broad path is content with believing the ‘right’ things and doing the ‘right’ stuff, assuming that’s all Jesus wants. But a deeper look into our motivations is necessary for cultivating life with God. . . . Slowing down — looking within — is difficult. Jesus, however, calls us to search our own hearts.”
2. Success-ism. Because we believe a better option to the narrow path exists — one offering more fun, freedom and fulfillment — we choose to avoid that narrow path. Hence, Rich wonders, what comes to mind when you reflect on what the ‘good life’ looks like? Is what you envision drawn from the American dream or the kingdom of God?
Above all, Jesus invites us to reimagine what a good life really is. For in the end, redefining the good life yields a life that blesses others. And avoids the popular trappings of our world.
Today’s question: What helps you avoid being a stranger to yourself? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Unholy trinity; me, myself, and I”