A very honest book was written a few years ago about being a Christian called Messy Spirituality. In it, Michael Yaconelli stressed that we must be real about the problems we face rather than pretend everything is just fine. We don't need to "clean" ourselves up before coming to Jesus or meeting with Him. He does not mind that we come to him as a mess.
Yaconelli said, "
Spirituality is a mixed-up, topsy-turvy, helter-skelter godliness that turns our lives into an upside-down toboggan ride of unexpected turns, surprise bumps and bone shattering crashes ... a life ruined by a Jesus who loves us right into his arms."
There really are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. There are no three easy steps that you can take to get there. There is no magic prayer you can pray to get your halo and a stained glass life. It's up and down and messy and a struggle; with suffering and tears, and yes, even laughter too.
Anne Lamont said, "The road to enlightenment is long and difficult, and you should try not to forget snacks and magazines."
Bummer some might say. But I am glad, because it's a lot more interesting than hitting some easy button. Perfect is just boring. Easy is too easy.
This weekend we're going to the desert with Jesus where he's trying to sort some important things out. He's learning that he can trust God in the hard places of life. He has a head on collision with the devil too. It's a "thin place" for Jesus and the message is called Deserts.
See you Sunday, David
