May Message From Pastor - Christian Spiritual Practice

 It is May! May is the month when we witness the tangible signs of new beginnings and new life. The brilliant sunshine and warm temperatures of summer envelop us, awakening our senses and filling us with a sense of hope. The flowers proudly display their vibrant colors, the trees reveal their true nature in full bloom, and the sky radiates a deep blue hue. We observe athletes pushing their limits, cyclists pedaling with joy, fishermen casting their lines, and nature enthusiasts basking in the beauty of God's creation. These activities serve as a reminder of the importance of rejuvenation and renewal across all aspects of life.

Unfortunately, amidst these simple and revitalizing leisure activities, there is a growing trend of seeking spiritual fulfillment through alternative means. In our modern era, spirituality and the desire for spiritual experiences have become new forms of vanity, often replacing the structured and intentional Christian practices of prayer and meditation. For instance, in 2022, news outlets reported that comedian and actor Will Smith traveled to India and embarked on a journey of practicing "Yoga" for supposed "spiritual purposes" after a controversial incident at the Oscars earlier that year.

When Christians talk about spiritual practice, we are referring to the profound connection and relationship we share with God. This connection is not fleeting or superficial; rather, it is a lifelong commitment to live anchored to the source of life and draw nourishment from the well of God's grace. In our spiritual practice, we humbly ask for forgiveness, seek restoration by turning our faces to God, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guard our hearts and fix our gaze upon the Cross. Through this practice, the Lord illuminates our thoughts, granting us discernment and understanding to navigate the path of righteousness—the righteousness that originates from God and leads to eternity (Romans 3:21).

The foundation of our spiritual practice lies in the truth of the empty tomb, which symbolizes the ultimate victory over death. It rests upon the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, along with our unwavering hope in Christ. This hope serves as our catalyst for new beginnings, enabling us to view challenges from a different perspective and lean on the sustaining power of God through Christ Jesus—the true vine of our souls.

Therefore, let us remain diligent and steadfast in fixing our eyes upon Christ as we embark on this summer season. By resuming our authentic spiritual practices, we gain far more than a mere clearing of our minds from past mistakes. True spiritual discipline becomes our reward, permitting us to renew and restore our relationship with our Savior. Christ transforms our worries into confidence, our anxieties into reassurance, our defeats in life into victories, our sorrows into joy, and our fears into courage. As we embrace these spiritual practices, we become vessels of God's love and light, shining brightly in a world that often seeks fulfillment in vain pursuits.

“Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life…Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.” Proverbs 4:23-27

Rev. Dr. Owar Ojulu