Two Divergent Spiritualties

Mixing the ideas of this age with biblical ideas (aka syncretism) is an eternal risk. I observe a trend afoot, to reframe Christian discipleship in ways that is part biblical, and part ideas birthed in post-Christendom spirituality. What do I mean?

The common hybrid goes something like this. As a disciple of Jesus, I am supposed to grow and mature. I have gifts and passions, instilled in me by God. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am responsible to use my talents and grow my gifts in ways that help me achieve my potential as a disciple and impact the Kingdom for good.

Here is the appeal and danger of syncretism – it is part true. We are supposed to mature. We never arrive at being just like Jesus. There is always room for more growth. We are also, notwithstanding God’s sovereignty, responsible agents. And we have been entrusted with gifts/talents.

So where is biblical discipleship different? In worldly spirituality, persons have passions and potential. The goal is to express your passions and grow into your potential. Whereas – in Christ, you are already a new creature. The growth motivation is not to meet your potential, but rather to be who you are in Christ.

The gifs you have are not exclusively yours, they are the gifts of the Holy Spirit – given to your body. They did not originate in, or are actualised inside you. They are entrusted to you, yet they grow as they are expressed by you in a body, in collaboration with additional gifts that others possess.

How then do you grow? In part by being a responsible active agent. But that is not enough! You grow by Christ in you, changing you by his Spirit, and you keep in step with the sanctifying work of the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ of enables you to be who you are in Christ. So it is the self in you that must die, and the Christ in you that must rise.

Similar, but different.

By Rev. David Rietveld