Spiritual Dyslexia...
Dyslectic; the impaired ability to comprehend written words usually associated with a neurological disorder that often manifests itself in the way a person process written material (free online dictionary)…
There are numerous people who wrestle with dyslexia; Oprah being among the most well known. They tell stories of the inability to process written words in an order that helps them comprehend intended meaning. In other words, dyslexia is the tendency to process last things first and it’s a real struggle.
Spiritual Dyslexia; the impaired ability to comprehend first things first as it relates to living what can best be describes a Kingdom life (Ron’s dictionary of words he makes up as he goes along).
There are numerous Christ-followers who regularly wrestle spiritual dyslexia; me being among the most obscure. We tell stories of the inability at times to make sense of life and comprehend what’s going on around us. We wonder why we get thrown curve balls that at first seem to make no sense at all. We tend to interpret life through the grid of the here and now. We want answers and solutions. We’re uncomfortable with the “silence” (lack of response) in our prayer lives and we’re confused when God seems so distant; we interpret it as uncaring. Usually the last thing we do is turn to God and just surrender “it” to him.
It’s a common malady really – it’s the human condition.
After an extended talk about material world issues (e.g. food, clothing, finances and religious activity) Jesus says something that gets to the heart of the issue and speaks directly to those of us who wrestle with spiritual dyslexia.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (NIV); Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (New Living Translation); Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (the Message).
Questions I ask myself:
• What is it that I seek first?
• What is my default position?
• When facing a crisis what is the first thing that comes to my mind?
• When faced with a huge decision what is the fist thing that I do?
• When I get up in the morning what is the first thing that occupies my time and energy?
As I traverse the day and stand toe to toe with real life who/what is it that guides my motives, my thoughts, my desires, my intentions, my attitude, and my outlook toward others?
Over the years I have discovered that when I manage to keep first things first the “silence” mentioned earlier is not as much of an issue. On those occasional days when the answer to the above questions is Jesus there is “rest” in knowing that regardless of whatever I’m facing He is still the sovereign ruler of it all (I know, it’s seems like such a simple “Sunday School” answer).
Last week I was reminded of the words in an old hymn, “This is my Father’s world and let me never forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong God’s still the ruler yet.”
It’s hard to explain, but there is a (shalom) peace in keeping first things first, but if you need more convincing then read Romans 8:35-39…
Peace...
Ron
Compassion Rules! Live your Life...
There are numerous people who wrestle with dyslexia; Oprah being among the most well known. They tell stories of the inability to process written words in an order that helps them comprehend intended meaning. In other words, dyslexia is the tendency to process last things first and it’s a real struggle.
Spiritual Dyslexia; the impaired ability to comprehend first things first as it relates to living what can best be describes a Kingdom life (Ron’s dictionary of words he makes up as he goes along).
There are numerous Christ-followers who regularly wrestle spiritual dyslexia; me being among the most obscure. We tell stories of the inability at times to make sense of life and comprehend what’s going on around us. We wonder why we get thrown curve balls that at first seem to make no sense at all. We tend to interpret life through the grid of the here and now. We want answers and solutions. We’re uncomfortable with the “silence” (lack of response) in our prayer lives and we’re confused when God seems so distant; we interpret it as uncaring. Usually the last thing we do is turn to God and just surrender “it” to him.
It’s a common malady really – it’s the human condition.
After an extended talk about material world issues (e.g. food, clothing, finances and religious activity) Jesus says something that gets to the heart of the issue and speaks directly to those of us who wrestle with spiritual dyslexia.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (NIV); Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (New Living Translation); Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met (the Message).
Questions I ask myself:
• What is it that I seek first?
• What is my default position?
• When facing a crisis what is the first thing that comes to my mind?
• When faced with a huge decision what is the fist thing that I do?
• When I get up in the morning what is the first thing that occupies my time and energy?
As I traverse the day and stand toe to toe with real life who/what is it that guides my motives, my thoughts, my desires, my intentions, my attitude, and my outlook toward others?
Over the years I have discovered that when I manage to keep first things first the “silence” mentioned earlier is not as much of an issue. On those occasional days when the answer to the above questions is Jesus there is “rest” in knowing that regardless of whatever I’m facing He is still the sovereign ruler of it all (I know, it’s seems like such a simple “Sunday School” answer).
Last week I was reminded of the words in an old hymn, “This is my Father’s world and let me never forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong God’s still the ruler yet.”
It’s hard to explain, but there is a (shalom) peace in keeping first things first, but if you need more convincing then read Romans 8:35-39…
Peace...
Ron
Compassion Rules! Live your Life...
posted by Ron Gelaude at
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