“Spiritual formation is not actualizing ourselves. Spiritual formation is losing our self-made and self-established life to know life in Christ. . . . To embrace the life of Jesus requires that we accept that Christianity is not primarily about our transformation but is first and foremost about life through death — losing our life to find life in Christ and the Spirit.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe
“So you must also consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”- Romans 6:11 (ESV)
In Chapter 7 (“Avoiding God in Our Devotion”) of When God Seems Distant, Kyle Strobel and John Coe agree that our devotion to God is a good thing. But, like all good things God gives us, we find ourselves tempted to use it to secure ourselves. Rather than trusting in Him. In addition, we must watch out lest we turn our devotional lives into places to make life more meaningful. Instead of laying down our lives for Jesus.
Also, Kyle and John find our devotion particularly susceptible to the flesh. Because we assume it’s the one place our action is pure. But, in contrast, Jesus calls us to walk with Him in such a manner that allow Him to define us. As well as to secure our identity, value, and goodness.
Furthermore, the authors stress, our faith involves death and resurrection. Here our faith is not simply a boost to get the life we want. For we journey with the purifying fire in this new existence of life in Christ. In the process, this purifying fire calls forth the deep things of the heart to transform them in and through His love.
Finally, in this walk, we accept that in Christ’s presence the truth of our heart leaks out. As the purifying fire of love, God always awakens the truth.
Today’s question: How do you avoid a spiritual formation that centers on self-actualization? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A more abiding praise”