A reminder before I share some thoughts with you: The 8:00 worship service begins this Sunday, September 12! This service will be a weekly communion service (replacing the chapel communion service we provided pre-covid-19).
Paul says in Romans: “Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Jesus says in Matthew: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
At an early age we have been taught to think dualistically, either/or, black or white. Early in life dualism is ingrained in us with an occasional reminder and challenge to embrace the “both/and of life”. However, Paul reminds us do not conform to this way of thinking; instead embrace the way of God.
“Oneing” of spirit, mind, and body: Be transformed through the “renewing of your minds,” Jesus says. It’s in our “Oneing” we’re able to discern the will of God. Either/or thinking tends to lead us in a downward spiral, whereas a both/and approach to life empowers relationship building, relationship deepening, and relationship sustaining. To this point Father Richard Rohr shares:
Non-dual consciousness is about receiving and being present to the moment and to the Now, exactly as it is, without splitting or dividing it, without judgment, analysis, negative critique, mental commentary, liking or disliking; without resistance; and even without registering your preferences. In other words, your mind, heart, soul, and senses are open and receptive to the moment, just as it is. That allows you to say, “Just this,” and love things in themselves, as themselves, and by themselves, regardless of how they benefit or make depends on you. . . . You gradually learn to hold everything – attractive and non-attractive alike – together in one accepting gaze.” (Just This, p. 29)
Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.” Our “seeking” does not mean we look into the future to “Find”, it is a present, in the now, gaze; here, now, in this moment embrace – and God’s kingdom and righteousness will come alive. I look forward to greeting you in Church.
Through Christ,
Pastor Doug