In the ever-changing world of coffee making, there’s another new thing… a siphon pot coffee maker. I’m sure (with slight sarcasm included) that it makes a cup of coffee that is infinitely better than the old “Mr. Coffee” I routinely depend upon. At any rate, it sure looks cooler! Seeing it reminded me of something I once read in Christianity Today about “siphons” that suck the vitality out of our spiritual lives; listed here are seven of them…
1. Words without action. We are tempted to think that saying something actualizes it. We have a momentary feeling of spirituality when we talk about wanting to pray more or “have more time in the Word.”
2. Busyness without purpose. Ministry produces activities, programs, conversations. If our choices of time-use are not disciplined by call and purpose, our energies become like a lazy, shallow river.
3. Calendars without a Sabbath. A datebook (or calendar app) filled with appointments but absent of significant hours (days) of quiet and reflection—written in first—is an abomination (an old and harsh word) to the God of the Bible, who said, “Six days you shall labor … the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
4. Relationships without mutual nourishment. Pastors tend to be acquainted with too many people but know too few people. The spiritual masters have told us for centuries that without soul-friends, we won’t gain spiritual momentum.
5. Pastoral personality without self-examination. Too much ministry is built on unresolved anger, unhealthy needs for approval, and the instinct to control. Failing to explore our soul for unwholeness ultimately takes its toll.
6. Natural giftedness without spiritual power. A person can go far on his natural gifts but will eventually burn out. Results will be shortlived instead of eternal.
7. Enormous theology without adequate spirituality. Knowing the “right” things, relying on intellect and learning without really connecting with God–the Source.
Is it possible that any of these things are sucking the vitality out of your spiritual life? …or is that just me?
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