Someone recently asked me for a definition of spirituality. Here is what I came up with.
Spirituality is the belief that God’s creative spirit is actively and purposely present in creation and that we are most alive and find meaning when our lives can be in coherence with and participate in that unfolding meta-story.
Human life finds fulfillment in being part of something larger than oneself. We see that in people who pledge their loyalty to lots of lesser stories that are still bigger than they are as an individual. Someone will pledge their loyalty and energy to a gang, a sports team, a cause, or even a nation. It isn’t that those are necessarily bad attachments, in an interim sort of way. They clearly reflect the human need to be attached to something bigger than themselves. The problem is that these meta-stories are too small and ultimately become destructive to the human spirit. The Bible calls this idolatry.
Even those who think they are independent of such transcending groups ultimately choose to be loyal to, build the meaning of their life on, something bigger than themselves. For some people, their purpose is reflected in being rich or powerful. The problem is always keeping these lesser goals and loyalties in perspective. As Jesus said, you cannot serve God and money. You must choose.
The challenge is to live your life with both a belief in and an openness to that creative spirit of God which is unfolding the story of the universe in a manner consistent with the Divine purpose. The awesome call for pastors is to devote your life to both listening to that Spirit and sharing what you hear with others. We never fully grasp, and certainly don’t control that spirit. As Jesus said, it is like the wind. You know it is there but you can’t tell where it comes from or where it goes. To listen for it is to listen for the meaning of life.
