APRIL 8 – MONDAY

Taken from Water From A Deep Well by Gerald Sittser

“In modern American culture we can be “spiritual” without actually believing in a particular faith tradition or belonging to a particular faith community… This kind of fuzzy spirituality allows us to fashion a spiritual life that suits our immediate interests and consumer tastes.  But such spirituality often lacks substance, integrity and discipline.” P. 23

Francis of Assisi “turned martyrdom into a way of life.  For the sake of Christ he learned to die daily to the gods - ego, pleasure, power, success- that threatened to dominate his life, which was why he lived with such vitality and passion.  It was his commitment to live for Christ that made him a martyr, though he never suffered literal martyrdom, for commitment to Christ required him to die to self.  Death to self gives life.  It is life in Christ that might, under some circumstances, actually lead to literal death.” P. 48

How have you been tempted to fashion a spiritual life that suits your own immediate interests and tastes?

How does the way Francis of Assisi lived contrast the “fuzzy spirituality” that Sittser portrays?

What is one way that God is calling you to die to self?  Name one practical way that you can live that out moving forward.