Holistic Spirituality: part 1

Every Component of Life is under the Lordship of Christ, we just don’t always recognize that or live that way.

Ken Boa writes: “There is a general tendency to treat Christianity as a component of life along with other components such as family, work, and finances. This compartmentalization fosters a dichotomy between the secular and the spiritual. The biblical alternative is to understand the implications of Christ’s lordship over every aspect of life in such a way that even the most mundane components of life can become expressions of the life of Christ in us”

Jesus Christ is the CENTER of EVERYTHING!!!

Our key question, everyday should be: “What does this have to do with Jesus Christ?”

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

1. We must move towards a Divine Orientation

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? Galatians 4:9
But the man who loves God is known by God. 1 Corinthians 8:3
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

As we do this we must avoid what has become very popular over the ages and that is Compartmentalization.  This is a False Dichotomy between the “Sacred” and the “Secular.”  A living in 2 worlds.  Having 1 foot in the Sacred (when we go to church and do the God thing) and 1 foot in the world (the rest and most of life).  I remember years ago talking with a friend who had joined a particular church.  I was a little shocked and asked why.  I was told because they let me separate the Sacred form the Secular.  I said oh, not really understanding what she said until hours later when the meaning dawned on me.  Like a church could actually pronounce this in opposition to the Lord who rules over all and desires that we even bring the everyday, mundane things under His Lordship.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23

False Pursuits of Happiness (short-term reasons are not enough, and our hearts remain Restless )

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts

are restless until they rest in You.”

Augustine

2. The Wisdom of Seeking Christ in All Things, this is where wisdom is found, even though for everything else there might by VISA, it provides No Wisdom.

Seek A Skillful Life

"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13

"The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.
When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water, before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world. I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind. Proverbs 8:22-31

Seek The Wisdom from Above not from  Below

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:15-17
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. Proverbs 3:18
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5