I Am Always Spiritual, But Never Always One Thing

For years, I lived under the weight of an assumption—that to be spiritual, I had to be engaged in something explicitly holy. That my connection to God was strongest when I was in prayer, in study, in silence. But what about the rest of my life? The moments of drive, of exhilaration, of pure, unfiltered being?

Then came the whisper.

"I’m still here."

Not in the expected places. Not in the quiet of morning devotion, nor in the solitude of deep contemplation. But in the middle of motion. In the laughter of my children. In the push of my muscles against resistance. In the sharp focus of strategy, in the pleasure of pursuit.

And suddenly, I understood what had always been true:

I am always spiritual because the Spirit of God is in me.

Not because I am praying. Not because I am reading the Bible. Not because I am in a state of theological reflection.

I am spiritual when I am fully engaged in life—because all of life belongs to Him.

The Work Does Not Define the Identity

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." —Colossians 3:23

I used to believe that my spirituality was tied to my role. That when I was teaching, I was a pastor. When I was coaching, I was a mentor. That my identity was linked to the work I was doing in the moment.

But I am not a pastor when I am cutting the grass. I am not a coach when I am with my wife. I am not a father when I am alone at the shooting range.

I am always me. But I am never always one thing.

Jesus was the Son of God whether He was preaching in the temple, turning over tables, or cooking fish over a fire. He did not cease to be who He was when He was laughing, when He was sleeping, when He was celebrating at a wedding.

The work does not define the identity. The identity defines the work.

When I am cutting the grass, I am not a pastor. I am a man cutting the grass. And that is enough.When I am at the range, I am not a father—unless my children are with me. And that is enough.When I am coaching men, I am not a grasscutter. And that is enough.

I do not have to carry every part of me into every moment.

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." —Ecclesiastes 3:1

This is freedom.

The Sacred and the Ordinary Are the Same in Christ

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." —1 Corinthians 10:31

There is no such thing as sacred work and ordinary work. There is only alignment and misalignment with truth.

We have created this false division—one that says prayer is spiritual, but laughter is not. That says fasting is spiritual, but strength is not. That says contemplation is spiritual, but joy is not.

But in Christ, everything is spiritual because I am spiritual.

Jesus did not live a divided life. He attended feasts. He engaged in deep theological debate. He made jokes. He rebuked. He cried. He got tired. He worked with His hands.

And He did it all in perfect communion with the Father.

Why should I live differently?

Why should I believe that I am more connected to God when I am on my knees than when I am fully alive in the moment He has given me?

Did He not create the joy of discovery? The thrill of movement? The satisfaction of mastery? The deep, burning desire to build, to explore, to create?

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving." —1 Timothy 4:4

There is no divide between sacred and ordinary. There is only awareness or blindness to the truth that all of life is His.

I Will Not Shrink Myself to Fit a Religious Mold

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." —Romans 14:17

For too long, I carried a false humility—one that told me I needed to quiet myself, to dim my passion, to be careful not to enjoy things too much.

In the last decade, and more so in the last three years, I've embarked on a path of deep exploration and bold exposition in areas often left uncharted or merely skimmed over by the broader Christian community. I make no apologies for this pursuit. It's a deliberate, intentional dive into the complexities and nuances of living a life rooted in Christ—a path not chosen lightly, but with a fervent desire to understand, to grow, and to challenge not only myself but also those who walk this journey with me.

This exploration is not a rebellion against the foundations of our faith but a quest to deepen our roots in the rich soil of Christ's teachings. As I delve into themes of authenticity in faith, the interplay between our spiritual beliefs and societal engagement, and the freedom found in Christ's sovereignty, my aim is to bring these conversations to the forefront of our collective consciousness. It's through engaging with these challenging topics that we, as a faith community, can grow to be more mindful, more authentic, and more impactful in our walk with Christ.

Together, let us question, seek, and explore the vast dimensions of what it means to be in Christ. Let this not be a journey marked by fear of stepping into the unknown, but rather by the courage to face it head-on, guided by the truth of the Gospel. As we engage in this way, let us inspire one another toward a deeper, more vibrant understanding and practice of our faith.

Exploring the Concept of Authenticity in Faith

Being true to oneself stands as a cornerstone of worship and service, echoing the scriptural call for a heart that is sincere and undivided before God. This authenticity is not merely a personal ideal but a biblical imperative that underpins genuine joy and fulfillment in life. In the pursuit of living authentically, individuals are encouraged to shed pretenses and embrace their true selves in the presence of God, fostering a deeper connection with the divine. Romans 12:9 underscores this by urging, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good," highlighting the importance of sincerity and truth in one’s faith journey.

Non-Theological Engagement

The dialogue extends beyond the traditional confines of theology, scripture, or Christ, venturing into realms that, while seemingly secular, deeply resonate with a Christian worldview. This approach underscores the interconnectedness of faith with all life aspects, affirming the relevance of Christian principles in addressing a broad spectrum of topics from daily challenges to global issues. Acts 17:28 illustrates this interconnectedness: "In him we live and move and have our being," reminding us that God’s presence and influence permeate every aspect of our existence.

The Church and Cultural Engagement

A critical examination of the church's role vis-à-vis the wider world reveals a pressing need for leaders and congregations alike to step beyond the familiar territory of "Christian life." This venture involves not just a passive observation but an active, informed engagement with cultural and societal dynamics. Such a stance demands a robust critique of the church's current engagement strategies, urging a shift towards a more Jesus-centric understanding and interaction with the world. Romans 12:2 challenges the church to this transformative engagement: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Freedom and Sovereignty in Christ

The recognition of divine sovereignty serves as a liberating force, granting believers the freedom to explore and express their faith across various domains of life. This freedom, rooted in an understanding of God's ultimate authority and purpose, encourages a bold and fearless engagement with the world, unshackled by the constraints of fear or conformity.