We’re all in this together
If you are reading this message, you’re somewhere on this planet we call home, either on your computer, tablet, or phone. You were placed wherever you are for a reason. I won’t speculate on the reason, but will venture to state…
We’re all in this together
We who are living and breathing are on this journey through life together. Most likely, we don’t reside in a bubble (although with the onslaught of Covid-19, we may feel like we are, at times, completely isolated). If we are believers, we are on a spiritual journey here on Earth. Everyone has the capacity for spirituality (non-believers have this capacity, too)!
Spirituality in practice means walking in the spirit. “For Christians, this means walking in the Holy Spirit of the risen Jesus” (Holt, p. 8). Thus, living a life of spirituality focuses on our being (who we are as a child of God), our relationships (how we live and interact with others), and our practices (our actions—what we do).
Scripture reveals that human wholeness is always actualized in nurturing one another toward wholeness, whether within the covenant community of God’s people or in the role of God’s people in healing brokenness and injustice in the world. There can be no wholeness in the image of Christ which is not incarnate in our relationships with others, both in the body of Christ and in the world” (p. 21).
Robert Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey
Love one another
Jesus reminds us of our calling to love one another—not just our family and friends, but everyone.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
How did Jesus love?
Jesus demonstrated His love for us in a multitude of ways, including the ultimate sacrifice of giving His life for us. But throughout His life on Earth, Jesus exemplified a life of love for others, being a role model for His disciples and all who believe in Him as our Savior. Jesus reminded His disciples (and us) that one of the essential traits His followers must possess is humility. By considering the needs of others before our own, we develop a Christ-like attitude. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve others.
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28
This servant attitude does not always mean that we sacrifice our lives (as in physically dying), but as an earlier blog in this series reminds us—we sacrifice our selfish attitude to place the needs of others before our own. That is what happens on our Journey of Spiritual Formation. We love one another and show that love through our service.
In John 13, we see Jesus demonstrating His role as loving servant. As the disciples gathered for Passover, no one had been designated to help in the cleansing ritual needed to prepare for the meal. Jesus took the role of servant, washing each of the disciple’s feet. Following completion of the task, he reminded them to take this same role:
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:14-17
Now that you know these things…
We hear the teachings of Jesus. We see His example in action. Can we ask ourselves—what am I called to do in service to others?
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:5-7
Loving future generations
One of the most wonderful and lasting gifts we can give to future generations is to care for our planet, this amazing creation that God has provided as our temporary dwelling place. Pope Francis says:
Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience” (Holt, p. 276).
Pope Francis
On our journey, we have responsibilities as stewards of creation. Our focus is on God and our thankfulness and care for the diversity, beauty, and preservation of our Earth.
What can I do to show love for my neighbor this week? How about you?
Praying for you, my friends.
This message is my sixth and final message in this series on Spiritual Formation. I have by no means explored this topic extensively. As always, I welcome your thoughts and reflections. Our spiritual journey is unique to each of us, as long as we have Jesus as our Guide.
References
Holt, Bradley P. (2017). Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality. Fortress Press: Minneapolis
Mulholland Jr., M. Robert. (2016). Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation, IVP Books (Intervarsity Press), Downers Grove, Illinois.
Previous blogs in this series on Spiritual Formation:
Part 1: Choosing a pathway
Part 2: Shaped by God
Part 3: Inviting reshaping
Part 4: Growing on the journey
Part 5: God meets us where we are
I like this use of the phrase “in this together” because it actually emphasizes how we should behave toward one another. We all need to be reminded to be kind to one another.
Especially during this time of fear and isolation, I think it so important for us to recognize how connected we are. If ever we need to show our love for others, during a Pandemic, election year, and turmoil in our streets is the time. Your recommendation for us to be kind is spot on. Thank you!
Katherine, a good reminder of how we were created to serve one another and not withdraw in isolation. We need each other, and we are nourished as we reach out and give to others.
“We need each other.” I definitely agree, Debbie. Certainly, in these trying times of forced isolation, we are reminded of the importance of relationships, loving one another, and serving others. I’ve been so grateful for those who find creative ways to reach out and show their love, finding creative ways to serve and still maintain health and safety precautions.
A wonderful journey of exploration and exhortation it has been Ms. Katherine. Thank you so much for sharing this journey with us. While it has not been a deep, excavating study, it has certainly increased my desire to dig deeper and understand these topics more fully. Thank you for sharing your gentle heart with us ma’am. We are blessed indeed.
Thank you for your ongoing encouragement, my friend. God has gifted you with that trait and those of us on the receiving end of your kindness and uplifting messages are truly blessed.
As we serve one another we can be examples of Christ’s service to us. The best thing we can do for others is to put their needs before ours. Thanks for sharing.
We are blessed indeed to have Christ’s example to show us the way to serve others. Although it is hard to staunch our selfish desires, Jesus is with us on every step of that journey, showing us the way and encouraging our journey of faith and service.
I like your comment about feeling like we are sometimes in a bubble these days! But we are created to be in community and to help and serve others. I appreciate your encouragement to do that even in these difficult times
It is a struggle for us now–trying to protect ourselves and our families while still reaching out in service to our community. Praying that we can find that balance.