I – once again – got into a discussion about God with someone before a meeting was about to begin. Part of my public ministry is to participate in work being done by secular non-profits when it meshes with the mission of our church, and part of the joy of that is the amazing, faithful people I interact with daily. This person believes in God but isn’t part of a faith-community. The reasons are many and, honestly, don’t matter. She is living her best life. One thing she told me was that she often reads my daily blogs and really appreciates the way I critique organized religion – and myself. I was a bit surprised, as I always am when someone I don’t know well reads my stuff; I was also grateful. In fact, what I find is that my perspective is often appreciated more by those outside of organized religion than by those inside.
In thinking about this, I recognize that I tend to be more on the side of self-critique than affirmation of orthodoxy. In spirituality circles, this might be called discernment. Historically, status quo organizations – like the church – have tended to reject suggestions that might come across as critical of “the way we’ve always done it.” Jesus poked at His faith, trying to get it to change, as did the prophets before and since. Reformations usually come about because the people in charge are abusing their authority, and those seeking something better aren’t being listened to. It is natural to do things the way we do things because we think they are the right way to do things. But they aren’t always, and we need to be self-aware and humble enough to admit that if we hope for a brighter and better future, we need to include a little self-reflection in our day.
It is an easy process, and a few simple questions can make a world of difference. Why do we do this? What is the point of this doctrine? Would changing it make life better for most of us, or would it be change for the sake of change? We can do this in life as well; all we need to do is recognize that we aren’t perfect just the way we are. A big step, I know – but if we want to evolve, rather than devolve, an honest conversation with our mirror every morning can go a long way in turning us in a better direction. After all, that is what confession is – the act of turning away from a wrong path towards a better path – and then, checking in regularly. Because none of us has it right all the time, and all of us can do better. A little self-reflection can create a better world. And a better life.
Prayer – Holy God, You create us with the capacity to become more every day. Move us towards better paths. Amen.
Today’s art is “Socrates looking in a mirror” by Bernard Vaillant.