Selfist Spirituality

Centuries ago, the world thought that we, earthlings, were at the center of the solar system and that everything revolved around us.

Until Galileo and Copernicus came and proved us all wrong.

The sun, not the earth, was the center of the solar system. This truth humbled us. It convinced us that we revolve around the sun and not the other way around. It reminded us that we are just but a small part of this colossal universe.

In my own life, I also learned a parallel truth almost twenty years ago.

My life is not about me.

That I am not the center of everything that happens to me. That I am not the central character of the unfolding drama that is my life. That my life should revolve around God and not the other way around.

This is the kind of Christianity that was passed on to me, and the kind of Christianity that I subscribe to.

In recent years, however, a new brand of thinking is slowly and subtly making its way into Christianity. It’s what some theologians call the “selfist spirituality”.

The selfist spirituality finds its roots in “new age” philosophy that you can be “god” if you choose to be. It promotes a “me” kind of spirituality wherein the only standard for morality is yourself. It espouses the thinking that you are the “master of your fate” and that all you need to do is to will it, and it will happen to you because you control your destiny.

And the sad thing is that even some priests and pastors take on this philosophy, insert a few bible verses to support their view, preach about it with conviction and voila!

You get the “selfist spirituality”.

You become the center of your faith, the determinant of your future and the controller of your God.

And it is attractive to people who long for hope, confidence and courage. They love to hear that they can be in control and that everything else will fall in place for them if only they have the right mindset and attitude.

Scary thought!

While a positive attitude can really motivate a person to reach his dreams, it is not, however, a guarantee! For there are times when what you want isn’t aligned with what God wants. And no amount of mind re-programming or attitude alteration can exact from God what He chooses not to give.

Indeed, Jesus came to heal, forgive and bless, But He also came to demand submission, obedience and total surrender.

In today’s gospel, Jesus sounded demanding,

“he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:38)

Today, I invite you to revisit your spirituality and be honest with yourself. Who is at the center of it all? Is it really God? Or are you the main character with God in a supporting role? Do you revolve around God, or does your prayer revolve around you?

Always remember, my dear friend, that the more you focus your whole life on God, the more God’s loving eye is focused on you!

Have a blessed week ahead!

Bobby Q.