right where we are

Welcome to the conversation.

I was going to place this quite from Brian McLaren at the end of this post, but then thought how it's great to begin with .

As you read today's post have in mind what James writes in his letter: 1:2-7.

Here's the McLaren quote: You can't take an epidural shot to ease the pain of giving birth to character, (Finding Our Way Again).

The journey we are in is about character being formed in us. Not just any character but what my life would look like if Jesus were in my shoes, looking through my eyes; it is question which comes to each of us.

I've previously mentioned how this journey of life is meant to be lived with purpose, calling it a slow journey in the same direction - at least, that's how it feels to me as I hope to stay on-course.

Erwin McManus underlines this sense of purpose when he writes: The path to wisdom is less journey and more quest, (Uprising). In other words, this is not something we wander into by accident.

And it is not by accident that we have the capability to be reactive and proactive, to be responsive and prosponsive. It means we are future-shaping creatures, people who are actively involved in shaping history - in no way can this be seen as a passive life.

This is not about usurping God's place, rather it is truly about having an honest and humble appreciation of ourselves. It is so important that we understand how we are being invited by God into a life of creativity, with him, in order that we might make a difference in his world. This is nothing less than the way Jesus lived, and the way Jesus opened up for us to live.

When I respond to Jesus by saying "I will walk in your way" we are entering into the unknown with humility. This is a bigger response then the one I often find myself asking in the question, "What shall I do?" Here we face the truth that following Jesus is a lot more about a compass than it is about a map and this means I must cultivate the ability to hear his voice: To adequately answer the question "What do I have to offer?" we need to learn the art of listening to the voice of God's leading in our lives, (The Relational Way by Scott Boren).

In order to do this I must give myself to this through consistent activities that open me to the influence of the Holy Spirit. I wonder if what we often call spirituality ought to be thought of as humanality: the activity of the Holy Spirit in and through the ordinary things of life to become more human. Brian McLaren comments that spiritual practices are pretty earthy, and they're not strictly about spirituality as it is often defined, they're about humanity, (Finding Our Way Again).

But something truly mystical begins to happen when my spirit opens to the Holy Spirit, and I see things differently as I read a book or process new content, (Scott Boren). When this involves a number of people then a mystical community begins to take shape, a community that is experiencing and sharing something remarkable.

Now back to that opening quote.

What I am seeing more clearly is how this is happening in the least expected places. I have to conclude that James is right to share, in his Newer Testament letter, of how joy can be formed amongst 'trials of many kinds,' (1:2). It doesn't happen when we get to a better place, rather it happens right where we are, with our lives as they are right now. Here something stronger and more powerful is being formed - James identifies perseverance and maturity and completeness - and the test is whether we are 'strong in character and ready for anything,' (1:4).

It is a slow journey in the same direction that has to be lived with intention.

What do you think?