Mainstream, organized religious practice is, and has been for some time, in decline among Americans, at least statistically. However, 83% of us believe that we have a soul or spirit in addition to our physical body. Almost three quarters of us believe in heaven.
When you start analyzing public opinion polls on religion and spirituality, an interesting theme is that there is still a voracious desire for spiritual connection. Of course, it is expressed and understood in different ways by different people. Some seek harmony with nature or with another spiritual community. Some people meditate. Do some exercise and fasting.
But connection, harmony and peace are the emotional core of these efforts. We are a nation full of indomitable spiritual seekers. Although Americans are much more likely to turn away from religion, this study and my own experience suggest that we are still more spiritual than ever.
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And while it may be tempting to frame this dynamic as new or modern, it is not. It is as old as Christianity itself. In fact, Jesus personally spoke about this issue:
“Are you tired? Are you worn out? Are you burned out on religion? Come to me,” Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30. “Stay away from me, and I’ll give you your life back. I’ll show you how to truly rest. Walk with me, work with me, and see how I do it.” . Learn a graceful rhythm that is not forced. I will not impose anything heavy or inappropriate on you. With me, you will learn to live freely and lightly.
This passage is important. God calls us to a loving relationship. God invites us to be known and valued. God calls us to a lasting and dynamic endeavor.
“We want you to show love, not sacrifice.” Hosea 6:6 says, “I want you to show love, not sacrifice.
God wants we. God does not want us to adopt an empty attitude of obedience. God knows that we can avoid intimacy with Him even while we pray, and He sees us doing so. God does not seek perfect behavior, but a genuine connection with us.
He wants and seeks nothing more or less. all The way we are here and now. And no matter how clouded our pursuit of God is by our experiences, disappointments, and past, we are drawn to Him.
Moreover, God delights in relentlessly seeking and pursuing us.
“Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one sheep,” Jesus begins a parable. “Why not leave 99 animals in the wilderness and chase the missing one until you find it?” When you find it, you’ll be happy to carry it on your shoulder, and when you get home, call your friends and neighbors. They’ll say, “Let’s celebrate together!” I found a lost sheep! ” Trust, there is more joy in heaven in the life of one sinner saved than in 99 good people who need no help” (Luke 15:4-7).
The statistical decline in explicit religiosity is countered by the precious and indefatigable spirituality God uses to call us. If we are seeking Him, or even if we are frankly “searching” Him, He can find us and be willing to throw us over His shoulder.
God loves us so tenderly and steadfastly that we don’t have to be religious for Him to find us. Sometimes all we need is to get a little lost.
And wherever we are, the Lord is there. God calls each of us to Him. God works through our suffering, confusion, unbelief, and ignorance. God works through our victories, our spiritual curiosity, and our various loves.
And above all of this, God is waiting to show us how to rest. Beyond our searches and struggles, God invites us to “live freely and lightly” on His side.
Russ Ewell is the executive pastor of Bay Area Church of Christ. A pastor for more than 40 years, Russ’s teachings are rooted in offering hope to those who have turned their backs on tradition, and are imbued with a vision of building the transformative church that the nation aspires to in the 21st century. ing.
