L. Dwight Turner
Some of us have a tendency to over-complicate even the most simple truths in life and I plead guilty in the first-degree when it comes to taking an issue that is fairly basic and turning it into an exercise in speculative philosophy. By God’s grace, I have become somewhat less inclined to do this as I have grown older, but I full well recognize the tendency to over-analyze a situation is still there. If Paul were here, he would more than likely say that this is one of my “strongholds” and he would be correct.
One of the silver linings that emerged out of my confrontation with this problematic aspect of my character, however, has proved quite useful. In a number of ways, this point of light in an otherwise dark encounter with my own defects of character is the opposite of my tendency to turn placing postage stamp in the correct location an exercise in higher calculus. In fact, it involves making things less complicated.
Allow me to give you an example.
Whenever we take even a minimal view of the scope of issues involved in living a spiritually meaningful life in today’s world, it can surely be overwhelming. The fact is the world in which we live and move and have our being is far more complex and multi-faceted than the one where Buddha, Krishna, or Jesus operated. Granted, as limited humans we are dealing with most of the fundamental problems that the contemporaries of these great spiritual figures dealt with many years ago, but those problems surface in many ways and in numerous contexts that were unheard of in ancient times. To make matters more complicated, we have to find ways in which we can filter our faith experiences, especially as related to our growth or lack thereof, so that they make at least a modicum of sense. In other words, we need to find ways in which we can make our spiritual journey more comprehensible, particularly to ourselves.
This process is the opposite of my tendency to over-complicate things. Here we are talking about simplifying complex things, rather than complicating basically sensible things. Of course, it can be argued that any path of spiritual formation is a simple at its core, but I, for one, don’t buy that argument. As they say down here in the South, “…that dog won’t hunt.” The reality is, the spiritual path can be very confusing at times, particularly when it comes to personal ethics, making proper decisions, and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Making the situation more complicated is the cacophony of conflicting opinions on just about any issue on might raise. The need for something a bit simpler is critical, especially for the new believer.
At Sacred Mind Alliance we have explored numerous ways of mapping out the process of spiritual growth in a contemporary context and most have been genuinely effective. What I want to share here, however, is a map I developed for my own use. It has been modified somewhat over the years, but I still go back to these basic themes whenever I find I need more clarity and less confusion in my daily walk of faith. What I am about to share is in no way comprehensive, but it does work as a pragmatic outline of the faith, boiled down to four workable divisions. This particular way of looking at the faith has been effective for me, and it may be for you. Please keep in mind, however, I am not suggesting what follows is the best way, the only way, or that it will work for everyone. At the end of the day, I think each of us has to find our own way of making complex issues simple and more easily addressed.
The method I used for breaking the path of what I came to call “Faith Formation” into manageable units involved four divisions. In my personal journal I called these divisions “The Four Mirrors of Faith Formation” and came to see that this title fit perfectly for what I was doing. I used the word “mirrors” for several important reasons. First of all, this approach was not like a ladder, where you take one step after another. When put into actual practice, each division proved to be intimately connected with the other three. It was as if, like four mirrors on each side of an object, each mirror reflected not only the object, but the reflections in the other mirrors as well.
In order to deepen this analogy, I placed a small sculpture of Guan Yin, a Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion on a table and placed four identical mirrors on each side. Amazingly, as I looked in each mirror I did not see one dove, but many as each primary reflection contained the other reflections. I had the awareness that these four mirrors were like a spiritual hologram, with each part containing within it the perfect totality of every other part.
The Four Mirrors of Faith Formation, which I continue to use as my own personal model for applying the faith to my own life, are:
The Mirror of Connection
The Mirror of Comprehension
The Mirror of Cultivation
The Mirror of Contribution
As stated earlier, I could have come up with more divisions, many more. Further, with my propensity for alliteration, I most likely could have started all of them with the letter “C.” However, my goal was to keep this process as simple as possible and still have a workable, comprehensive matrix through which I could process my faith.
The Mirror of Connection is just that, connection with the Divine. In this mirror, I seek to deepen my connection with God through several practices. First, it involves prayer, the practice of meditation, spiritual reading, and contact with the natural world. This last practice has revealed itself to be one of the most powerful ways I have found to deepen the level of my contact with and experience of God’s presence.
The Mirror of Comprehension is concerned with the garnering of practical wisdom, particularly in regards to spiritual laws and principles in general and the pragmatic application of these laws to daily living. The primary aim in this mirror is gaining knowledge of the interface between the spiritual world and this physical world. Also central is deepening not only our understanding, but also our practical experience of the interconnectivity of all life and the birth of a transformational compassion in the heart.
In working with the Mirror of Cultivation my primary objective is to put myself into a spiritual posture of openness and receptivity to the work of Sacred Spirit. This particular mirror is aimed at the cultivation of what I have come to call “Sacred Character,” which in turn is built on the foundation of “Noble Integrity.” In addition, the formation of character and integrity is further made possible by the clarification and development of a comprehensive worldview and an internalized system of values based on that worldview.
As I work with these mirrors, I understand on an experiential level that my primary purpose in life becomes making a positive, spiritual contribution to the world in which I live. In brief, the Mirror of Contribution is concerned with the use of my talents, spiritual gifts, and whatever else God has placed at my disposal in order to make the world a better place. This does not necessarily mean some great, Noble Peace Prize winning contribution, although for a select few, this may be true. For most of us, the Mirror of Contribution is concerned with doing whatever we can to bring a high level of functioning to whatever setting we may be placed. This process could involve family, work, the environment, or any number of things.
Earlier, I mentioned that the spiritual journey can be explained in many ways and certainly in ways that are deeper and more complex than the four-mirrored approach I have just described. What I have attempted to do in this brief article is to present a model and matrix that has worked well for me. I am a person who thrives on exploring highly complex, difficult to comprehend models so things and, for this very reason, I have learned that it is precisely those things that I need to avoid. In an overworked but accurate slogan, I need to keep it simple.
© L. D. Turner 2009/ All Rights Reserved
Showing posts with label Practical Spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Practical Spirituality. Show all posts
Friday, January 30, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Blessings of Effort
L. Dwight Turner
A few days ago, we looked at the value of developing enthusiasm as an integral part of your spiritual tool kit. Enthusiasm is one of what we at Sacred Mind Ministries call “Attitudes of Blessing.” Briefly, these are character traits that assist us in growing spiritually, achieving our goals and dreams, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Today I would like to discuss another of these essential attitudes: effort. If we are to advance in terms of our spiritual life or any other goal, effort is required. In any arena of life, those who succeed are the individuals who make a solid commitment to excellence and who are willing to expend the energy to attain their goals. Keep in mind: no one ever slouched their way to success.
Nothing comes without cost and nothing worthwhile comes without personal effort. In practical terms, this means that if we want to achieve something in life, whether it be to deepen our spiritual life, advance in our career, make more money, or improve our character, we have to put forth positive effort. In short, we have to work at it.
In terms of overall spiritual formation, positive effort means you have to work at it. There is no magic pill that you can take that will bring you closer to God or help you master your mind. You have to put forth effort. If you have developed enthusiasm, a proper and profound sense of love for what you are doing, then effort should flow easily out of this enthusiasm. You will make every effort to grow as an individual and as a member of society. You will seize every opportunity to improve that comes your way. Make no mistake; if you don't put forth positive effort in pursuit of your goals, nothing will help you. Often, making this kind of spiritual effort will involve making sacrifices. "No pain no gain", is an eternal truth.
The Random House Dictionary defines effort as, "a strenuous attempt; the exertion of physical or mental power". What does this mean on a practical, daily basis? It means you have to exert yourself. If you are apathetic, you won't exert yourself. If you are lethargic, you won't exert yourself enough. If you are ambivalent, you won't exert yourself consistently. You have to become sincere! From your sincerity will flow enthusiasm and from your enthusiasm will flow effort. Once you begin to make sincere effort, you will improve. This is a fundamental law of the universe and it applies not only to spiritual formation, but to everything you do.
During the five years I spent teaching English in China I have observed that the one central thing that seemed to separate those who improved their language skills from those who did not was the effort put into it. The harder the student worked and the more positive the attitude with which he or she approached their study, the more their English skills improved. I could cite many examples of this truth but time and space does not allow for that in the context of this article, so I will choose but one example.
I first met Jane when she was a sophomore English major at the university where I was teaching in southern China. She was a pert and energetic girl with a pleasing smile and positive disposition. After having her as a student in my writing class for several weeks, I noticed that not only her writing skills were among the best in her class, but her oral English skills were also excellent. I soon found out why.
I have always been an early riser, usually getting out of bed no later than 5:30 AM. I often went for early morning walks around the beautiful, lotus filled pond that was a landmark of the university. Much of the year the weather was hot and humid in this southern city and the early morning hours provided an opportunity to commune with the natural environment before the heat of the day began in earnest. I usually arrived at the lake around 6 AM and every morning during my walk I usually ran into Jane. She was either reading aloud from an English text, or reciting her lessons in English, or listening to English language tapes on her Walkman.
From the beginning I was impressed by her diligence, her fortitude, her discipline, and her willingness to make personal sacrifices in order to improve her language skills. Further, it was these very positive character traits that enabled her to succeed where others did not. In the spring semester of her sophomore year Jane went on to achieve a high score on the TEM Four examination, a major test that determines whether or not the student is allowed to continue his or her English study without penalty. In addition, her marks were among the highest in all of her classes. In her junior year she placed first in the campus- wide English speech contest hosted by the Business College at our university. She eventually graduated with high honors and is now employed by a major, multi-national company. Why has Jane been so successful? The answer is quite simple. She put forth positive effort!
Before concluding our examination of the necessity of personal effort in the process of spiritual formation, one important caveat needs to be mentioned. Making diligent effort to advance toward your goals must be viewed in the context of a balanced lifestyle. It is critical that your efforts remain within rational and healthy limits. You must maintain adequate time for family, recreation, rest and relaxation, and enjoying life’s pleasures. Too much effort leads to physical, emotional, and spiritual burnout. Allowing your diligence toward making positive efforts to evolve as a human being, no matter how noble it may seem, is a recipe for disaster. As with all good things in this life, moderation is the key.
© L. Dwight Turner/ All Rights Reserved
A few days ago, we looked at the value of developing enthusiasm as an integral part of your spiritual tool kit. Enthusiasm is one of what we at Sacred Mind Ministries call “Attitudes of Blessing.” Briefly, these are character traits that assist us in growing spiritually, achieving our goals and dreams, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Today I would like to discuss another of these essential attitudes: effort. If we are to advance in terms of our spiritual life or any other goal, effort is required. In any arena of life, those who succeed are the individuals who make a solid commitment to excellence and who are willing to expend the energy to attain their goals. Keep in mind: no one ever slouched their way to success.
Nothing comes without cost and nothing worthwhile comes without personal effort. In practical terms, this means that if we want to achieve something in life, whether it be to deepen our spiritual life, advance in our career, make more money, or improve our character, we have to put forth positive effort. In short, we have to work at it.
In terms of overall spiritual formation, positive effort means you have to work at it. There is no magic pill that you can take that will bring you closer to God or help you master your mind. You have to put forth effort. If you have developed enthusiasm, a proper and profound sense of love for what you are doing, then effort should flow easily out of this enthusiasm. You will make every effort to grow as an individual and as a member of society. You will seize every opportunity to improve that comes your way. Make no mistake; if you don't put forth positive effort in pursuit of your goals, nothing will help you. Often, making this kind of spiritual effort will involve making sacrifices. "No pain no gain", is an eternal truth.
The Random House Dictionary defines effort as, "a strenuous attempt; the exertion of physical or mental power". What does this mean on a practical, daily basis? It means you have to exert yourself. If you are apathetic, you won't exert yourself. If you are lethargic, you won't exert yourself enough. If you are ambivalent, you won't exert yourself consistently. You have to become sincere! From your sincerity will flow enthusiasm and from your enthusiasm will flow effort. Once you begin to make sincere effort, you will improve. This is a fundamental law of the universe and it applies not only to spiritual formation, but to everything you do.
During the five years I spent teaching English in China I have observed that the one central thing that seemed to separate those who improved their language skills from those who did not was the effort put into it. The harder the student worked and the more positive the attitude with which he or she approached their study, the more their English skills improved. I could cite many examples of this truth but time and space does not allow for that in the context of this article, so I will choose but one example.
I first met Jane when she was a sophomore English major at the university where I was teaching in southern China. She was a pert and energetic girl with a pleasing smile and positive disposition. After having her as a student in my writing class for several weeks, I noticed that not only her writing skills were among the best in her class, but her oral English skills were also excellent. I soon found out why.
I have always been an early riser, usually getting out of bed no later than 5:30 AM. I often went for early morning walks around the beautiful, lotus filled pond that was a landmark of the university. Much of the year the weather was hot and humid in this southern city and the early morning hours provided an opportunity to commune with the natural environment before the heat of the day began in earnest. I usually arrived at the lake around 6 AM and every morning during my walk I usually ran into Jane. She was either reading aloud from an English text, or reciting her lessons in English, or listening to English language tapes on her Walkman.
From the beginning I was impressed by her diligence, her fortitude, her discipline, and her willingness to make personal sacrifices in order to improve her language skills. Further, it was these very positive character traits that enabled her to succeed where others did not. In the spring semester of her sophomore year Jane went on to achieve a high score on the TEM Four examination, a major test that determines whether or not the student is allowed to continue his or her English study without penalty. In addition, her marks were among the highest in all of her classes. In her junior year she placed first in the campus- wide English speech contest hosted by the Business College at our university. She eventually graduated with high honors and is now employed by a major, multi-national company. Why has Jane been so successful? The answer is quite simple. She put forth positive effort!
Before concluding our examination of the necessity of personal effort in the process of spiritual formation, one important caveat needs to be mentioned. Making diligent effort to advance toward your goals must be viewed in the context of a balanced lifestyle. It is critical that your efforts remain within rational and healthy limits. You must maintain adequate time for family, recreation, rest and relaxation, and enjoying life’s pleasures. Too much effort leads to physical, emotional, and spiritual burnout. Allowing your diligence toward making positive efforts to evolve as a human being, no matter how noble it may seem, is a recipe for disaster. As with all good things in this life, moderation is the key.
© L. Dwight Turner/ All Rights Reserved
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Blessings of Enthusiasm
L. Dwight Turner
“Never underestimate the power of a man on fire,” said my grandfather on numerous occasions as I was growing up. “He can accomplish more in an hour than 10 good men can manage in a week.”
What do you think my grandfather meant when he was talking about a “man on fire?” Why do you think he repeated this statement often enough that it became firmly established in my memory banks? The answers are simple. My grandfather wanted me to understand the importance of having enthusiasm. Moreover, he wanted to instill in me the motivational value of maintaining an enthusiastic attitude in life.
As usual, my grandfather was right on target with his assessment of the merit of developing enthusiasm. Along with a firm commitment to excellence and a positive, proactive attitude, enthusiasm helps form a positive, energetic foundation for spiritual formation.
Enthusiasm is the emotional corollary of positive thinking. Enthusiasm grows out of a love for what you are doing and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Nothing of lasting value in our lives is ever accomplished without an enthusiastic attitude. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” How true these words are. When we develop a true affection for what we are doing, our actions become more efficient and we devote ourselves more diligently and consistently to our work.
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek language and implies “an absorbing or controlling passion of the mind by any interest or pursuit". A brief look at the Greek origins of the word gives us deeper insight into the definition and value of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is derived from two Greek words, “en” and “theos.” When combined to form the Greek word for enthusiasm the term is literally translated as “God in you,” or “God within.” or “full of God.” Thus, the whole concept of enthusiasm is spiritual from the beginning. When we are enthusiastic, we are in harmony with God and the Spirit within us. This harmonious relationship fills us with renewed energy, vitality, and an ability to be more effective at everything we put our hand to.
What does this mean in terms of our spiritual formation as Christians? It means that we must be committed to our growth in Christ. We must develop a passion for it and view the time we spend in pursuit of spiritual formation as time well spent. If we lack enthusiasm, we will advance slowly or fail completely. Enthusiasm gives drive to our dream. Further, enthusiasm gives emotional and psychological fuel to our growth and development on all levels. Christian Larson, tells us:
“…man gradually but surely grows into the likeness of that which he thinks of the most, and man thinks the most of what he loves the best. This is the law through which man has become what he is, and it is through the intelligent use of this law that man may change for the better and improve in any way desired.”
What is Larson trying to tell us? Quite simply, he is saying, "Learn to love what you are doing and you will increase your chances of success". If you want to improve as a Christ-follower you have to develop a passionate desire for the spiritual life. Become enthused, then maintain your enthusiasm at all cost. Edward B. Butler tells us that success depends on continued enthusiasm:
“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life.”
Enthusiasm plays a central part in any successful life. Enthusiasm gives substance to our dreams and provides us with emotional motivation to stay the course toward our goals in spite of obstacles or setbacks. Popular Christian teacher Charles Swindoll reminds us:
“What an essential role enthusiasm plays in our lives! In many ways, it is the key ingredient that frees us from the cramping, dark, overheated confinement of a task. When the odds are against us, the hours are long, and the end is not yet in view, enthusiasm rescues us from the temptation to quit - or run away - or complain. It takes the grit and grind out of boredom. It calls in fresh troops when the battle gets long and the body gets weary. Athletes feed on it. Salesmen are motivated by it. Teachers count on it. Students fail without it. Leadership demands it. Projects are completed because of it.”
Another great fact about enthusiasm is that it is contagious. Have you ever been around a person who was truly enthusiastic, a person who really loved what they were doing and applied himself or herself whole-heartedly to the task they were pursuing? People like this often infect others with their sense of enthusiasm. One of my favorite quotations is by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:
“Catch fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
Surround yourself with people who are serious yet fun loving and enthusiastic about their walk of faith. Their enthusiasm will infect you and, in turn, make you more energetic and positive about your own spiritual practice. In turn, your enthusiasm can have a positive impact on others.
In conclusion, I encourage you to heed the message of my grandfather that was mentioned at the beginning of this article. Do all that you can to internalize a consistent attitude of enthusiasm, especially about your spiritual life, and strive in every way to manifest your enthusiasm in your daily life. Begin this process by going into your place of prayer and discussing the matter with God. Ask God to fill your being with enthusiasm and also ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit in terms of what you can do to foster a deepening sense of enthusiasm in your life.
If you are sincere about making enthusiasm a central part of your Christian character, you may be amazed at the results as the Holy Spirit works in you to conform you to the fullness of Christ. And don’t be surprised when one day people come from miles away, just to watch you burn.
© L.D. Turner 2008/All Rights Reserved
“Never underestimate the power of a man on fire,” said my grandfather on numerous occasions as I was growing up. “He can accomplish more in an hour than 10 good men can manage in a week.”
What do you think my grandfather meant when he was talking about a “man on fire?” Why do you think he repeated this statement often enough that it became firmly established in my memory banks? The answers are simple. My grandfather wanted me to understand the importance of having enthusiasm. Moreover, he wanted to instill in me the motivational value of maintaining an enthusiastic attitude in life.
As usual, my grandfather was right on target with his assessment of the merit of developing enthusiasm. Along with a firm commitment to excellence and a positive, proactive attitude, enthusiasm helps form a positive, energetic foundation for spiritual formation.
Enthusiasm is the emotional corollary of positive thinking. Enthusiasm grows out of a love for what you are doing and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Nothing of lasting value in our lives is ever accomplished without an enthusiastic attitude. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Nothing was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” How true these words are. When we develop a true affection for what we are doing, our actions become more efficient and we devote ourselves more diligently and consistently to our work.
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek language and implies “an absorbing or controlling passion of the mind by any interest or pursuit". A brief look at the Greek origins of the word gives us deeper insight into the definition and value of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is derived from two Greek words, “en” and “theos.” When combined to form the Greek word for enthusiasm the term is literally translated as “God in you,” or “God within.” or “full of God.” Thus, the whole concept of enthusiasm is spiritual from the beginning. When we are enthusiastic, we are in harmony with God and the Spirit within us. This harmonious relationship fills us with renewed energy, vitality, and an ability to be more effective at everything we put our hand to.
What does this mean in terms of our spiritual formation as Christians? It means that we must be committed to our growth in Christ. We must develop a passion for it and view the time we spend in pursuit of spiritual formation as time well spent. If we lack enthusiasm, we will advance slowly or fail completely. Enthusiasm gives drive to our dream. Further, enthusiasm gives emotional and psychological fuel to our growth and development on all levels. Christian Larson, tells us:
“…man gradually but surely grows into the likeness of that which he thinks of the most, and man thinks the most of what he loves the best. This is the law through which man has become what he is, and it is through the intelligent use of this law that man may change for the better and improve in any way desired.”
What is Larson trying to tell us? Quite simply, he is saying, "Learn to love what you are doing and you will increase your chances of success". If you want to improve as a Christ-follower you have to develop a passionate desire for the spiritual life. Become enthused, then maintain your enthusiasm at all cost. Edward B. Butler tells us that success depends on continued enthusiasm:
“One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life.”
Enthusiasm plays a central part in any successful life. Enthusiasm gives substance to our dreams and provides us with emotional motivation to stay the course toward our goals in spite of obstacles or setbacks. Popular Christian teacher Charles Swindoll reminds us:
“What an essential role enthusiasm plays in our lives! In many ways, it is the key ingredient that frees us from the cramping, dark, overheated confinement of a task. When the odds are against us, the hours are long, and the end is not yet in view, enthusiasm rescues us from the temptation to quit - or run away - or complain. It takes the grit and grind out of boredom. It calls in fresh troops when the battle gets long and the body gets weary. Athletes feed on it. Salesmen are motivated by it. Teachers count on it. Students fail without it. Leadership demands it. Projects are completed because of it.”
Another great fact about enthusiasm is that it is contagious. Have you ever been around a person who was truly enthusiastic, a person who really loved what they were doing and applied himself or herself whole-heartedly to the task they were pursuing? People like this often infect others with their sense of enthusiasm. One of my favorite quotations is by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:
“Catch fire with enthusiasm and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”
Surround yourself with people who are serious yet fun loving and enthusiastic about their walk of faith. Their enthusiasm will infect you and, in turn, make you more energetic and positive about your own spiritual practice. In turn, your enthusiasm can have a positive impact on others.
In conclusion, I encourage you to heed the message of my grandfather that was mentioned at the beginning of this article. Do all that you can to internalize a consistent attitude of enthusiasm, especially about your spiritual life, and strive in every way to manifest your enthusiasm in your daily life. Begin this process by going into your place of prayer and discussing the matter with God. Ask God to fill your being with enthusiasm and also ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit in terms of what you can do to foster a deepening sense of enthusiasm in your life.
If you are sincere about making enthusiasm a central part of your Christian character, you may be amazed at the results as the Holy Spirit works in you to conform you to the fullness of Christ. And don’t be surprised when one day people come from miles away, just to watch you burn.
© L.D. Turner 2008/All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wisdom For Personal Application
Sadly, because many are not knowledgeable of their divine potential, they limit their growth and development and forfeit their covenant rights that have been granted to them by their faith in Christ. They deprive their families and communities of the wonderful benefits they could provide for them…..Just as God spoke to a nonexistent universe and it came into being, God has spoken words over you that have given you immense power – power to alter and control your environment, power to excel and not fail and power to do great exploits in the earth. We have a choice to either accept or deny what God has spoken over us……There are no worthless people in God’s creation. He has given everyone a divine potential to do supernatural exploits that bring glory to his name. When you fall short of this potential, you deprive yourself and your family of the optimum life-style that was planned for you and them. You also deprive your generation and the world of your unique gifts that were given by God to bless mankind. God has chose you and made you extraordinary and special. Therefore, you have tremendous value.
Jim Lowe
(from Achieving Your Divine Potential)
Jim Lowe
(from Achieving Your Divine Potential)
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