The Post Lenten Dis-Integration
April 26, 2011
I have believed for a long time in the importance of our own integration. I have studied and taught on a relationship with God that more fully integrates each part of who we are. This may seem like a no brainer but honestly Christianity as a whole hasn’t really done a good job with it. The most glaring example is our separation of spirit and body which has all kinds of devotional and theological ramifications. Ironically, we as people who worship and claim to follow an incarnate God have managed to demean the physical body. This in spite the inherent value and importance that incarnation gives it. This first day after Lent I am getting a clear reminder on the importance of integration.
You have to understand that I have not had and soda or fried food since Ash Wednesday. Combine this with the fact that I have spent all day (10 hours and counting….) in airports or on planes. Both of which are lands flowing with batter and high fructose corn syrup. I have binged. To say the least. Every meal, every beverage, every snack, post snack nibble, and everything in between has looked like the close up video footage they use on news broadcast when they talk about how obese America is. (You know the background video that never shows faces, just bellys and hot pockets in a white knuckled death grip)
I realized a minute ago that I have not smiled in hours. I was essentially rude to a few people that have tried to strike up conversations. I was really (I mean really) angry at a little girl that wouldn’t stop crying. I even went to the bathroom just because I wanted alone time. I feel terrible physically and it matters spiritually. How quickly I forget the lessons of a disciplined Lent. It’s almost like I should be consistent year round…hmmmm something to think about over tomorrow morning’s pancakes cover in fried snickers crumbles..
How much attention do you pay to the physicality of your spirituality?
What does being an integrated/holistic person of faith mean to you?
Great post Mike.
I think this is why a lifestyle of Spirit led, Biblical defined fasting is more desirable than a Lenten season of limited fasting. When we have regular occasions of denying our flesh and filling those fasts with Spiritual food, we experience a change in character, we experience Christ in the wilderness, His victory over temptation through the power of the word.
And by the way….great Easter sermon. It really resonated in my spirit as I was listening that the reason the disciples went from timid to bold, from fear to reckless love was Pentecost, the person of the Spirit showing up (while they had locked themselves away in a room) and lighting them on fire with the power of the risen Lord. The same Spirit that rose Him from the dead, quickening their bodies, setting them ablaze for service.
Mark-