DIFFERENT SPIRITUALITIES

When we talk about spirituality, we are often talking about very different things. For some spirituality is about enjoying a sunset or an evening with a friend. Others emphasize the idea that it is something intensely personal, and that we have to find our own spiritual path that might differ from everyone else’. In contrast, others claim that there are spiritual principles common to all in the same way that gravity is common to all. This is the sense we get from the Psalms:

·       Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Not every way of life is “blessed;” nor is every bit of advice. We are to be careful about where we get our advice. The “wicked” are not known for their sound judgment. Our actions generally reflect our beliefs and our advice or “counsel.” Consequently, we will not learn morality from a con artist or astro-physics from a butcher. This doesn’t mean that we should avoid them, but we should avoid entanglements with them. In the words of the Psalm, we shouldn’t “sit in the seat of scoffers.” Instead, we are to feed off another source of influence – “the law of the Lord.”

This sounds strange to modern ears. Modernity does not associate head-knowledge with spirituality. Instead, the spirituality of modernity insists that the mind is an obstacle to spiritual experience. Consequently, some religions focus on neutralizing the influence of the mind. However, the Bible doesn’t take this point of view. Instead, it regards all of our faculties as essential; each has its place.

What we think is of the greatest importance. If I think that my wife is having an affair with the neighbor, this will affect our relationship on every level. This is also true about our moral or spiritual thoughts. If I think that it is right to take revenge, this will profoundly affect my mental, emotional, and spiritual life.

According to this Psalm, understanding God is so crucial that we “delight…in the law” and to “meditate [on it]…day and night.” If I think that God will love me beyond limit for all eternity, this is the way I will treat others.

But “delight…in the law?” Instead, isn’t the law a burden, a weight around our neck, the murderer of our joy? It can be that, especially if we conceive it as a ball-and-chain. However, if we regard it as God sharing His mind, His moral laws, it becomes something intimate and desirable. On the one hand, it is like a reliable roadmap, laying out the moral landscape of our lives. If our roadmap is accurate, it will take us where we want to go. If God’s law is accurate, it will also take us where we need to go. It will resolve inner conflict, calm our conscience, and provide meaning and purpose for our lives. It will teach us how to get along with others and how to live with our wives.

Yes, His law will also judge us. However, if we are convinced that He immediately forgives and cleanses us when we sincerely apologize, His law can become a source of great relief and freedom, a way to resolve our guilt and shame. How? Since we have His moral guidelines written into our conscience, we will feel condemned even if we don’t believe in God, the ultimate antidote for guilt and shame.

But to “meditate [on it]…day and night?” Isn’t this drudgerous? Not if we are grateful for all He has done for us! Besides, we find beauty in truth and how it fits together into a coherent and livable worldview. This is especially delightful if we are convinced that we will prosper as we grow in the knowledge of God. On another level, there is a great delight and honor in serving the Source of all love and truth. It bestows peace and joy to know that we are walking in His light.

The impact of our experiences will not last long unless we have an accurate cognitive framework by which to derive lessons from them.