opportunity for a spiritual revival
In this book, the author writes that we need a ‘spiritual revolution’ not ‘political action...;
Funny that this book discusses about the evolution of the ‘campus’ or ‘university’ as the original place for spiritual ‘revival’ because I am writing this during the second wave of lock-down in Melbourne and one of many citizens or humans renewing my hope and faith in God.
This book has been staring at me over the last few days as it lies dormant for five years since I first received this copy during my early years at university.
I had a few insights and impressions as I am almost finished the first chapter:
Christian life like ‘vanilla extract’ rather than being the ‘salt and the light’:
The Bible shares of the radical transformation and gifts we receive when we become a Christian - led by the Holy Spirit, as we move and live our every day life at our office workplaces, farms, factories. We essentially are missionaries every we go, every conversation we have on the train or place, our connection with our next door neighbours...
Here we have an opportunity to bond, connect and love as Jesus and God loves us to God’s created peoples. We show a different kind of love. *note: I was not brought up with biblical principles of being, living and seeing but this is one of the main things I discovered when I am fully surrender and my compass is aligned and led by the Holy Spirit.
What has it turned to in the 21st century?
We are lacking spiritual vitality in ourselves, our homes and in our communities.
The author puts it bluntly - we have made Christianity/Jesus boring.
How does it look like for everyday citizens at work, at the shopping malls and at public places?
The author puts it like (paraphrased): being comfortable in work, earning money to follow the mainstream American dream and maintain a few prayers and church visits in one’s family to portray the good ‘Christian’ identity.
Hence the ‘vanilla extract’ is a great metaphor to describe this lifestyle.
I must admit, I have fallen into many periods of ‘impotence’ - a spiritual lethargy as you can describe it. I have felt overwhelmed, stuck and helpless to practice and take actions when I know that I can do more with my gifts God has given to me. *Remember the Great Commission in the Bible.
Lust, sex and pornography
Basically anything that yearns for something over God (our weak flesh).
I must admit, this is a revelation for me that I have been weak to many of this.
God seems to love humanity so much that He wants seekers to turn into missionaries, movers and shakers. How else is the Christian religion still brought unto today?
There must have been many awakenings in the past era where the Holy Spirit was active and leading pastors, chaplains, schools. Essentially anyone who listened to God and the Holy Spirit to act on God’s call.
I share in my faith that God wants us to continue His good work and that this uncertain pandemic lies opportunity to renew our spiritual desires to feed on God’s spiritual food to re-direct our minds and spirit to God’s big mission.
It is the most adventuring and endearing mission you will ever embark on.
C.S Lewis was right when he said there is no ‘middle-ground’ to being a Christian. You either are not a Christian or are a Christian. *my understanding is your lifestyle shows you are a Christian.
I am weak but I know in the past I was used by God and here I am again five years later, fasting and delving into the Bible, re-learning and re-building my foundations.