Every once in awhile, I get out my list of what I truly believe in as important as I approach God and others in the community of faith. I want to see if my life is really lining up with these values and if not, what is going on in the posture of my heart to stray toward self-protection. In fact, living by these values helps assure that I live in the present in my most authentic self, which is living toward becoming the image of Christ.
Here is my list of values as a person and as a Spiritual Director:
Identity
If I was born as a unique expression of God’s image, then embracing practices that clarify that image awakens my truest self.
Vulnerability
If hiding was my first step toward the bondage of shame, then revealing my true self in safe community illuminates my path toward freedom.
Longing
If shallow connections have left me longing for something that I can’t even name, then pursuing a real (even messy) relationship with God and others satisfies my heart’s truest desire.
Surrender
If the illusion of staying in control has left me with disappointment, resentment, and confusion, then discovering what I cling to and why frees me to let go.
Truth
If head knowledge of truth has been inadequate in facing the challenges of my everyday life, then experiencing truth empowers me to move forward.
Community
If insulated life is narrow and restricting, then experiencing life in safe authentic community expands my capacity for real living.
Grace
If God sees and loves me at my worst, then embracing grace truly transforms my flaws into unimaginable beauty.God sees and loves me at my worst, then embracing grace truly transforms my flaws into unimaginable beauty.
As a way of seeing where my life and ministry lines up with these core values, I take a look at whether I’m seeing the progress I would expect to see, in these ways:
True Identity – awakens
Vulnerability – illuminates
Longing – satisfies
Surrender - frees
Truth – empowers
Community – expands
Grace – transforms
Am I living an ever-awakened life, illuminated and transformed by what I am encountering? Does my longing result in my turning to the only One that can truly satisfy? Do I feel free and empowered to turn from my false self (flesh life) toward the transforming work of grace? Is my community expanding, and am I living in such a way that others are also being transformed?
I challenge you today to sit down and make your own list of what is important to you as far as principles that govern your life. Taking these last few months of the year will be a great way to prepare to enter into the Advent season and into the coming new year. I’d love to talk with you about this if you’d like someone to process your own list with.