BE AWARE, UNDERSTAND, TAKE ACTION
by Dwight Cunkle
In last week’s column I listed how our enemy (the world, the flesh and the devil) afflict us with desolations contrasting them with God’s spiritual consolations. In last week’s sermon, we looked at how feelings make good indicators but lousy leaders –emotions can indicate both the source and direction of our thoughts, but our focus needs to be on discerning our thoughts so we don’t get ‘stuck” in our feelings.
(“Nothing more than Feelings” is available as a podcast on our website, www.covenantlifechurchonline.com).
What do I do when I have become aware of my feelings and understand the source and direction of my thoughts? (loosely based on rules for discernment by Ignatius of Loyola)
Accept the good but reject the bad. As good thoughts grow when our hearts and minds are moving toward and responding to God, so peace, faith, hope and love diminish, when our thoughts focus more on our emotions and move away from God (spiritual desolation).
When in spiritual desolation (feelings which move away from God) don’t change prior decisions but change your thoughts. Continue the direction you began while in spiritual consolation (faith, hope, love, peace, joy...). Make every effort to resist and reject the bad thoughts. Act intensely to change your thoughts by prayer, meditation, examination and humbly seeking spiritual direction. Increase loving kindness and self-denial rather than yield to selfish or fleshly temptations.
When in spiritual consolations prepare yourself against the return of desolation. Since there is both ebb and flow, and highs and lows in natural and spiritual life, arm yourselves to share in Christ’s suffering and for the good which comes from trials. Fill yourself with Scripture and be filled with the Spirit, praying and giving thanks much, “so you may be able to stand in the time of testing because the flesh is weak but spirit is willing.”
The choice to live in ongoing spiritual awareness is the beginning of spiritual discernment and gateway to spiritual freedom.
Maturity comes by effort and humility (asking God’s help).
No comments:
Post a Comment