By Natan Pierce
This question is one that many theologians through-out the ages have pondered and wrestled with. I think for me, the point of starting out, and ending, in other words, (Starting with the morning and ending with the day) one needs to take seriously the
task of Luke 9:23-24; which states:
"If any one wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up the cross, daily, and follow me. For who ever wishes to
save his life shall loose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake, he is the one who will save it."
Being Spirit led and Spirit driven requires self denial. In our lifetime, the one who may have gained this ideal the best might be Mother Teresa. Maybe Billy too, but I don't think so. Not to say those who don't obtain this ideal have missed the mark, but
that would be driven by the Spirit.
St. Thomas Aquinas was often perplexed with this same dilemma, wondering the good balance. John Calvin, our Great reformer and leader of the great Presbyterian movement, had said that there are 2 distortions:
1. Catholic Distortion
2. Lutheran Distortion.
In a nut shell:
The Catholic distortion says that only by taking up the robes and the call to full time ministry- i.e., the monk, or priest,
only through that act can one gain true calling from God and only then can they have/earn full favor with God to being Spirit
led.
The Lutheran distortion is almost the opposite. Only the person who is fully engaged in secular work can gain the Spiritual walk because the called occupationalist does not have a robe to hide behind.
The Biblical ideal is that for one to be Spiritually minded and driven, the one coming to the faith, and thus the kingdom must first seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first and then these other things, (riches, health, family, prestige and honor) would then come secondarily- or not at all.
The point is, this is a spiritual paradox. For one seeking the Kingdom first, they must be seeking, not death and a funeral service, but life and selfless living.
What does all this mean?
How can one go about obtaining this ideal?
Well, for starters, the one seeking the kingdom of God is seeking the Lord's Ideal.
Our Father: (Abba Daddy)
Who art in Heaven: (The one who dwells in the heavens)
Hallowed be the Name:
This speaks of the Character of God which states, "Hear O Israel, The Lord our God is One"
It also states, He alone is worthy of our praise, not entertainers, not sports stars, not musicians, Bands and performers.
He deserves the first fruits of our praise, our finances, and our heart. We are to worship Him in Spirit and Truth, holistically, not with just mind and body, but all of us, with all of our senses. Which is why it is sooo important to have our senses, sight, taste,
smell, feel, and mostly hearing. Hearing from Elohim and His plan for us as a chosen people.
Thy Kingdom come:
Only through His people delivering His message to the people of the world, and bringing them to the message of the covenant people can His kingdom be realized. There is a 'new world' in Christendom about this, it is called 'missional.'
Thy Will be Done:
His will, not ours. His ways, not ours. (Remember Uzzah and trying to steady the
(David) and so on.
On Earth as it is in Heaven:
What is on earth as it is in heaven? His reign, His rule, His Law, His Torah, His Love and His Community. We are to be a people of community.
Give us this Day our Daily Bread:
Thanking Him for His provisions, not our wants or desires, but what He gives us naturally through the earth. O God King of the Universe who has given us the bread from the Earth-(Haretz)
Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who have debts against us:
Self explanatory. How is it we can ask God to forgive us when we have held another-(in our heart) in condemnation and have not aloud another to be free in our hearts????
And lead us not into temptation:
All kinds of temptations- the first of course is temptation of pride. Many people who have been harmed or hurt in this society have been drawn to higher education, to gain a Master's degree, or a Doctorate in hopes of self worth and self esteem. Now there is nothing wrong with that, but slightly moves us from the ideal when it is knowledge that puffs up and gives one pride.
But deliver us from the Evil one, the Adversary:
The adversary is the one who tries to thwart the plan, purpose, and mission of the One who desires most of all, intimate one on one close community and fellowship with His people, the Garden restored. Many times the adversary is ourselves.
I would say this is a start.
Daily Bible reading and meditation is a must. Reading the Bible is most important and reading two ways as well:
1. For deep devotion - scripture readings and memorization for the Holy Spirit to renew our minds into His ways: Romans 12:2, 2 Tim 3:16.
2. For broad reading - To know our place in the meta-narrative, the story - our story - of humanity and when we are called by a loving God for a loving purpose.