In this episode, Ilona and Justin remind us that the path to peace isn’t focused on the self. Rather, they discuss how our lives, and in particular the way we practice spiritual disciplines, need to be focused outwardly. They wrestle with the reality that this “others-orientation” sits starkly opposed to our “live your dream” culture, and yet it’s what reminds us of our truer purpose. Why does this matter so much right now, especially in light of COVID-19 and social distancing?
Ideas We Highlight
- Why “self-help” will never be enough because the point shouldn’t be the “self”
- Misguided evaluations of the “effectiveness” of spiritual disciplines
- How we close the gap between who we are and who we want to be
- Why a culture of “live your dream, speak your truth” is opposed to the Gospel
- Practical ways to love God and others when we’re working from home, parenting without an escape, and trying to check in on people in our community
- Co-opting mantras for the sake of spiritual formation
Reference
Practices of Love: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life of the World by Kyle David Bennett. Find it on Amazon.
Reflection
Find a short meditation or “breath prayer” to practice this week that will remind you of the truth that it’s not all about you, and reorient you to your gospel purpose. Here are some of the ideas from the episode:
- “I’m made for God and neighbor, not myself”
- “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
- “Christ is all and we are his”
- “It’s not about me”
