While must approach our challenges and endeavours in this world with a spiritual attitude, not all problems and issues have spiritual solutions.
At a retreat recently, the men got together to talk about some of their struggles and challenges in life. The majority of responses seemed to be 'spiritual', meaning folks were told to 'put God first', 'get spiritual' and 'stop being worldly' etc. Now in all things we certainly need to follow the preceding directives, but if someone is facing serious financial difficulty, burdensome work challenges, genuine emotional or psychological challenges or perplexing life choices some actual practical guidance and advice might actually help (that said, the spirit of challenge at the retreat was undoubtedly meant for the best, and only allowed for short responses rather than exhaustive solutions).
I am not saying that spiritual direction isn't necessary, but there are some issues where a financial advisor, a psychologist/psychiatrist/counsellor, or just a wise and insightful stranger or friend can help. We can offer very helpful spiritual insight without necessarily helping someone reach any closer to solving a problem or coming to terms with their issues. They may leave trusting in God - but no wiser regarding the issue.
CS Lewis noted that God, '...wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but He also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job, and in first-class fighting trim.' (Mere Christianity, 1952). In the same breath he cited Jesus admonition that his disciples be, '...innocent as doves and crafty as snakes.' (Matthew 10:16), we may be spiritual creatures but we are at least 50% human and living in a material world. We can't afford to be naive to the genuine challenges of life that necessitate a certain 'worldly' savvy and understanding.
Moses, and hence the entire nation of Israel and by extension, Christendom benefitted greatly from the very practical wisdom of a non-Jew (and obvious non-Christian) in the form of Priest of Midian, Jethro - his father-in-law. Jethro contributed to God's plan by devising a structure of governance for the Jews and the modern day Christian church when he advised Moses on how to administer justice by, effectively suggesting a discipleship structure (Exodus 18: 17-27).
Now Jethro could have told Moses to 'get spiritual', but he went one better and told him to 'get smart' and showed him how.
No comments:
Post a Comment