language

We need to stop thinking and talking as if God is a 'part of my life.' I hear it so often, even in some sermons. It is the assumed perception that the point of being a Christian is to make God a 'part' of your life. I want God to make me part of His Life. That is the better way to think and speak and act, is it not?

Language is important because it betrays our real beliefs; but not only that, it also shapes our convictions. It works both ways.

Richard Foster was writing (in "Freedom of Simplicity") that he experienced God as being on the periphery of his life. Then he corrects himself: "Actually, it would be more accurate to say that I was on the periphery of his Life. It was I who needed to come to the Center, the Core." See how the language changes perspective and vice versa?

We need to develop language that helps us properly orient ourselves--to God, to others, to the world. I am starting to learn that language. I think it is a big part of the pastoral (in the basic functional sense, not merely in the paid professional sense) task to share language with others that helps them orient their lives properly. Language that leads to action. Language that explains action. Language that tells us what time (kairos) it is.

I'm starting with "I want God to make me part of His Life."