Continuing my series of reflective posts on the book Total Church, today we turn to chapter 9 on “Spirituality”. This subject matter provides the authors a good chance to summarize the emphasis of this book. They write (on p.141):
Biblical spirituality is not about contemplation; it is about reading and meditating on the word of God. It is not about detached silence; it is about passionate petition. It is not about solitude; it is about participation in community. In other words, biblical spirituality reflects the dual fidelity we have argued for throughout this book. It is centered on the gospel and rooted in the context of Christian community.
I couldn’t agree more. Too often in the church, we embrace a worldly understanding of spirituality (through Oprah or some other idea that’s popped into our minds) rather than being shaped by what God has ordained to shape us by. Our passion should be singularly rooted in Christ. As that happens, our lives will be changed and community will honor Him.