Monday, February 11, 2008

A balanced Spiritual Journey

What is the goal of a youth group? What is the goal of church? What is the goal of Christianity?

These are important questions that must be asked to help us on our spiritual journey. Renovare presents several categories of a "balanced vision" for this Christian journey. Take a look at these categories and ask yourself if this is what we should hope for and expect from church and in our own lives. If so, how balanced our you between these various areas?

Contemplative: the prayer filled life...focuses upon intimacy with God and depth of spirituality. This spiritual dimension addresses the longing for a deeper, more vital Christian experience.

Holiness: the virtuous life...focuses upon personal moral transformation and the power to develop "holy habits." This spiritual dimension addresses the erosion of moral fiber in personal and social life.

Charismatic: the spirit filled life...focuses upon intimacy with God and depth of spirituality. This spiritual dimension addresses the longing for a deeper, more vital Christian experience.

Social Justice: the compassionate life...focuses upon justice and shalom (peace) in all human relationships and social structures. This spiritual dimension addresses the gospel imperative for equity and compassion among all peoples.

Evangelical: the word-centered life...focuses upon the proclamation of the evangel, the good news of the gospel. This spiritual dimension addresses the need for people to see the good news lived and hear the good news proclaimed.

Incarnational: the sacramental life...focuses upon making present and visible the realm of the invisible spirit. This spiritual dimension addresses the crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life.

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