I agree with Tippens on many points in the first part of his book. I have seen many of the “modern souls” in this world that are disconnected from their families, churches, and society. In the technologically based world that we live in this is so easy for many of us to do. We work on sending emails to family members that live far away and friends that we no longer see that we forget there happens to be a world around us that we have disconnected ourselves from. I do not think it is a bad thing to stay connected to people that were close to us, but we need to also reconnect with the world around us.
I like the idea of traveling in community, because this is how Jesus traveled. The further Jesus traveled, the larger his community got. This is because he did not go at it alone, and Jesus calls us to a communal way of life.
Like Tippens, I grew up in a church where the body was looked at as separate from spirit, we focused more on the afterlife than the present. My pastor was a fire and brimstone pastor that never preached a sermon that would make a Christian feel good about himself. We were told every Sunday that because we did not look at our bodies as a mere temple, then we were flawed and sinful. Never once did the pastor preach how we could use our bodies to help others, or how valuable our bodies were. Perhaps this is one reason why I had left that church. It seemed no matter what I did, it was, in that church, a sin and it was wrong, even if I was trying to be a good Christian. I think I have, since, gained a great deal of clarity on Christianity, and I am still learning.
In chapter three, the practice being addressed is “emptying”. This is the concept of giving up materialism and greed for the sake of Christ. Also known as Kenosis, derived from the Greek word for emptying ones’ self, this idea is very much against every instinct held by Americans today. Our society is all about the dollar bill; another day another dollar. The American dream is just that, American. It is not Christian. If we are to follow the very obvious example and teachings of Christ laid out for us in the Gospels, the American Dream of the big house, 2.4 children, upper-middle class suburban life, is not obtainable. No, rather, it is undesirable! By following this practice of emptying ourselves, we allow Christ to fill the voids in our life. Much like the many instabilities seen in ancient Israel both in North Israel and South Judah, people suffered because they tried to do it all themselves and they forgot to trust God. Why do we read these stories and forget that those ideas still apply to us. By emptying ourselves we rid ourselves of the need to make everything right. We allow God to work in our lives as he has desired to do since the Garden. Jesus did not teach a lesson of following him daily and praying nightly, but all the while saving up for retirement. No, though it may be hard to conceive as Americans, he taught something very different. “The son of man has no place to lay his head” Christ taught a lesson of selflessness, accumulating nothing of earthly value, and relying completely on God and the will he has for our lives. Frankly I cannot understand how we have perverted that. Myself included. If we just empty ourselves, kenosis, and allow God to take control, maybe we wouldn’t be as messed up as we are today. It worked that way for ancient Israel, not sure why it wouldn’t work for modern America.
The idea to love one another no matter the cost changed history. This idea was and still is a Christian idea. Then, Tippens says that we must remember that a stranger at our door may be a messenger from God. This statement reminded me of that old TV show “Highway to Heaven.” These men were always strangers, and they were God’s messengers.
Tippens reminds us that Jesus reached out to those who were marginalized; therefore in order to follow Jesus we must do the same. Tippens also says that a banquet need not be fancy, but it is the heart and spirit that makes the banquet worthy.
Tippens goes on to tell us that donating to those far away is not always enough. It is also important for us to directly help those in need at home.
Tippens also states that we must find our home in Jesus, and through finding that home, we will be more capable of showing hospitality to others. Furthermore, Tippens states that “Jesus welcomed others to his table without compromising the standards, and so can we” (62).
In America today, people find it difficult to follow through with welcoming others. Those who take advantage of other’s hospitality have jaded today’s Christian Americans. Though there are many people who try to get something for nothing, it is important to remember that others may genuinely need our help.
Also our culture has raised us to believe that we are all in danger all of the time. We are conditioned from the time that we can talk to not talk to strangers. The media shows us countless acts of violence that are perpetrated against our brothers and sisters, which places fear into our hearts. With this kind of mentality it is hard for us to reach out to those who live closest to us.
As I was reading through Chapter 5, Resting: The Day Sabbath Becomes Joy, I thought it was sort of ironic that he was talking about getting away from the noise and the distractions of this world and in the background I could hear my iTunes playing, the T.V. from the next room, my roommates talking, my cell phone ringing a few times and horns and screeching of the cars outside.
It's so hard to get away and just find some peaceful quiet time. I am sure a lot of you have been on or at least heard of Trek. There is one day called "Solo Day" where you spend three hours in complete solitude in the mountians and have quiet time. I look back to that time and wish I had more opportunities like that. I feel like our culture today is so fast paced and we never take the time to slow down and enjoy the stars, sunrises and sunsets, the cycle of the seasons, even our own heartbeats. As Tippens said, these rhythms are what makes life possible.
During the summertime one of my favorite things to do is take a blanket and find a spot outside to lay down just to look for shooting stars. I live out in the country so it's always so peaceful and I can usually see 3 or 4 every night. That time is so meaningful to me. During this time is when I have a lot of my quiet time with God. It's hard while your in college when there are so many things going on to take the time to do these things. I feel like we should take advantage of these moments more often and enjoy the beauty of God's creation and find rest in him.
Pilgrim Heart chapter 6 talks about the importance of resting and how it can helps us reach blessedness (beatitude). Striving for excellence is a noble goal but sometimes getting the work done is more important. Separating ourselves from things that “compromise or contaminate” by building walls, knowing when to say no (refusing), and being part of a community can help us live a more peaceful and quiet life while following the path of Jesus. In summary this chapter tells us to “Calm down, relax, and enjoy the gift of life as a child of God” to quote Adam Wells in his response to Tippens Chapter One.
Those are good practices for achieving a peaceful state of mind. By finding contentment in one’s achievement even if it’s not the best we can do, helps relieve the pressure of trying to achieve perfection. However, let’s not equate the idea of “letting go of perfection” to slacking. That is not what Tippens meant. This practice will help us in prioritizing the things that needs to be done. This is hard to achieve in American culture because competition is present in everyday life. If you do not show your best performance you might be rejected in favors of others.
By building walls destined to protect ourselves, we will able to regenerate/refuel the good (passion, excitement to go do the work) in ourselves again. That is to say that if we are too open to the outside world, we might be “contaminated” and become the very thing we are trying to change. I could not find a better factor than the one in the book which is technology. To make it brief, “technology brings the world into our living room.” That is to say that even if we want to keep ourselves from being submerged by what is out there, it is very hard to do so just because technologies such as the Internet and cable TV are so widespread.
Tippens, in chapter 7, talks about the importance of friendship in the church. He makes very valid points about the disappearance of such relationships in modern times, especially among men. He says there are three types of friendship: the love of humanity as a whole, the love for our fellow Christians, and partnership in faith. Most churches do a good job of emphasizing the first two, but the third often goes by the wayside.
Every Christian needs a soul-friend. A spouse is intended by God to be a spiritual partner, a complement to your soul; however, it is vitally important that we build close friendships with others of our own gender as partners in faith. We need friends with whom we can share the squalid little details of our lives, confess our sins to willing ears, then be accountable to keep our paths straight. Without accountability, we are all words with no action, which is what gives the world a reason to call us hypocrites.
Our friends in faith do not replace God nor would they replace our spouses. The point is to have a strong foothold in the lives of other believers where roots can intertwine and strengthen the forest. "Iron sharpens iron." It is so vital to sharpen ourselves constantly and keep our spirits fresh. Our soul-friend does that. It is amazing the strength God administers through the influence of other believers who not only strengthen our resolve, but test our faith.
More Christians need friends who will judge them when they need to be judged, with a heart of compassion and love. Who better to hear it from than from someone who loves you? Let us lay our pride by the wayside, and open ourselves up to the Spirit of God in the life of another. Let us be willing to learn as much as we teach and refill as much as we pour out. Then, maybe we will truly understand the meaning of the word "disciple".
In Chapter 8, Confession: I swear to tell the whole truth, Tippens brings up many interesting points. First of all, he says that it is easy to confess our sins to God but not as easy to confess to other Christians. Why is that? I think it’s easier to confess to God because He already knows what we’re going through. Also He doesn’t respond with hateful words. Whatever we do confess, no matter how bad it is, He is always going to love us and forgive us. On the other hand, when we confess to other Christians their response may not necessarily be the same even though that’s how we should respond when others confess to us. When we confess to others, they may treat you differently because of your sin. At times, I get upset because Christians are perceived as judgmental. But I see why people might think that. I can think of times when someone has confessed their sins to a small group and people would treat them differently than before they knew what they were struggling with. For me personally it is normal for me to confess to God because I can’t hide it from Him anyways but the thought of telling those things to other people scares me. But it’s something we’re called to do. I think that it’s only beneficial if you find the a group of people or even one person that will take the time to listen to you and someone that you can trust won’t treat you any different because of what you told them. I think we should pray for people like that to enter into our lives. From past experiences when I have confessed to a group of people it has brought me closer to them and they were able to hold me accountable. I think it’s a very healthy spiritual disciple that we don’t do near enough.
Tippens explains that we all must find it in our hearts to forgive. He reminds us that “Jesus came to forgive; we have been forgiven by him; we must forgive others.”
I remember that when I was growing up my mother would always tell me “two wrongs don’t make a right.” I think that what she was trying to say is that the failure to forgive someone for their wrong is just as wrong as the original wrong. Tippens says, “First, we should consider that forgiveness is a grace that begins with God, not with us.”
Just as Tippens says in the next section of the chapter, I believe that good can come out of any bad situation, no matter how horrendous it may seem to us. I do not think that God wills bad things to happen to us to teach us a lesson. It just happens. I know that everything I have been through in my life has made me a stronger person. This has happened through God’s grace, and in the strength he has given me, I can forgive.
Tippens tells us though that we must remember to forgive ourselves as well. This is where many of us lacking. We tend to blame ourselves because we have “allowed ourselves” to get hurt. Tippens warns if you do not forgive yourself, this can lead to “guilt and shame,” which can turn into “anger toward others.” I never thought that when I verbally lash out toward others, which does happen sometimes, that I could be from my inability to forgive myself.
In American culture, it is difficult to forgive people, because it is difficult to trust others. We must remember that we can forgive people for how they have wronged us, but trust is earned. Also in American movies, vengeance is the answer to the problems that plague us. We all must remember, “Vengeance never settles the matter” (Tippens 121).
We are constantly reminded that we should always forgive others, even though it may be tough. Sometimes I make it easier to forgive others rather than to forgive myself, for example; one of my friends was killed a couple weeks ago. For some reason I felt like I should be taking his place, he did not diserve to die. Why would a man with great personality and a huge giver and strong in the Lord have to die? Many times I often question God and the reasons that he does things. So maybe understanding why God would have a man die in such a tragic accident as this one. Then I stop myself. Maybe it was because he had already shown his love and been a light to everyone he has been in contact with. I realize it more when I went to the funeral that Wednesday after it happened. All of his friends sat on the stage where the preacher was...however, not all of his friends would fit. In fact half of the people that came to the funeral had to watch everything from a screen in another room. This just shows that maybe he had already done what he was called to do, even though he was very young (age 22) he still reached out to so many people and made an impression on everyone! So sometimes I think we get upset and angry for things, but we need to realize the reasons and forgive the people no matter what went on. I would not know how I would be acting if I new that his friend shot him on purpose. I really don't think that I could be happy with God in that kind of a situation, but luckily it was an accident and we all learn to forgive, but We will NEVER forget!
This chapter is all about listening. Several scriptures are quoted that convey the message of "be still and know that I am God" There is something to be said about spiritual silence. As Tippens says, and I agree, there is a renewing aspect in listening. Take Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Moses, or any other effective leader throughout the history of God's people, and you will find times in thier lives when the secluded themselves from the general public to spend time in silence with God. Tippens also points out that there are two types of silence. One is also known as the silence treatement; where one is silent in a negative way to convey a sense of disregard or anger. The other, however, is a very positive thing. Taking time to be silent before God, and to genuinely put forth effort to HEAR the LORD is what this type of silence is about. This type of silence is not just a solitary thing either. There are unlimited blessings to be found by taking part in this discipline. Silence is a good way to engage brothers and sisters in a spiritual experience. But, it is also a good way to find yourself. In meditation with God and yourself, uneffected by worldly sources.
Chapter 11 is about discernment. Tippens points out that often Christians make claims about the course of their lives such as, "God told me to do this," or "God gave me this." Often, such claims come with the assumption that His grace came as a result of our own piety or even a perceived need. The problem with this idea is that, sometimes, those who are just as pious or in greater need do not benefit from the same luxury. Are they less worthy of grace? Did God just choose one over the other? We need discernment to be clear on God's will for us and know when He is calling us to act.
This also applies to the assumption that if we follow God's will for us, we will always be blessed. Following Christ means taking up our cross and often being completely unsure. Even John the Baptist had his doubts about the messiah. We cannot expect that following Christ means easy travel. In fact, it usually means the opposite.
Tippens talks about how we often know we are on the right track by how low we are becoming. The path to Christ often leads downhill, away from riches, glory, and the American dream. That does not mean that owning material possessions is bad, but what we own does not benefit God---only what we give back. If we are blessed with riches, it is so that we can use those riches to His glory, not because God's will is for us to prosper with earthly wealth. God wants us to prosper in a lasting way.
Discernment is vital for listening to God's call. It requires humility and wisdom because without them, we become filled with pride at our own discernment or mistake knowledge for understanding. Both attributes were demonstrated by Jesus on this earth, and we are expected to follow His example. Ultimately, we will benefit tremendously by God's grace.
Chapter twelve talks about the importance of singing during worship time. It shows how the act of singing brings us closer to each other, having the same love and being of the same mind. It also states that “The trouble with talk is that it tends to position the speaker in a place of power. It puts one in charge, which can border on a dangerous conceit when it comes to reporting on the Almighty. When we are singing, there is a sense that we are not in charge.” Adding to that it is obvious that singing is important since the bible contains hundreds of song texts such as the Psalms, which are “highly emotional in nature.”
As we said earlier, the act of singing brings us closer to each other, having the same love and being of the same mind. Singing brings unity within the Church so that it becomes one voice. Adding to that, we each come to worship with our own ideals and experiences. We do not have the same love and same mindset. For example, during a conversation some people might not be honest with their feelings. Some people might just want to appear superior or better than others. Others might be shy to express their true feelings. However, when we come together and sing, for that moment, we are one. As a matter of fact, people do raise their hands and close their eyes when singing.
A factor that might interfere with the value of singing might be deciding what song to sing and how to sing it the right way. There might be a struggle of agreement on what kind of music to sing. Adding to that there is also a struggle on what language to use in worship, which is an important aspect of the songs we sing.
There are two main views of art in the Christian world. People either feel that art is dangerous because it “distracts us from our primary love for God” (157). Or, they feel that art is here for us to enjoy, and it is separate from the church. Other views agree that art and imagination can be “used and abused,” but serve “a distinct spiritual purpose in individuals’ lives and in the church” (158). It is important for us to remember that art and beauty comes from God, and God is the very essence of beauty (Psalms 27:4). Furthermore, according to Ephesians 2:10 we are all “God’s handiwork or compositions” (159). Tippens also reminds us that Jesus was an artist (carpenter) that saw beauty in everything around him. Also Tippens tells us that art can lead others to faith, and most art comes from the artists’ search for something beyond the physical world.
I agree that the ability to create art through film, books, music, singing, acting, drawing, and painting are all gifts from God. Like Tippens, I feel that the temptation to misuse these abilities can be dangerous. In American society, it is common for artists to move away from their original intention, transcendentalism, and toward art for the sake of money. This is why I agree with Tippens that the church should not shun the artists in the congregation. They should welcome the artists with opened arms just as they welcome everyone else. With much of the media in the world it is hard to see the beauty in everything. However, artists have the ability to imagine what the rest of us cannot. This makes them an invaluable asset to their congregation. We must be careful, though, to positively spark the creativity and imagination of our artists of tomorrow. After all, “the Bible itself is a majestic work of art” (165).
I tend to agree with Tippens on this subject. I believe that art, movies, and other creative things can be turned into something bad or often can be misused. This does not mean that we should not accept creativity into our churches. Everyone has a creative side to them rather it be singing, dancing, movie making, or even paintings. These are some talents that God gave us and we should us them and not abuse them. I often feel like as a Christian they are being misused often, however when they are being used to glorify God they do not get as much recognition. I think we should start recognizing those who are glorifying God through their creative abilities instead of making such a big deal about the misuse of it. This is just my view on what I think, I believe that everyone has a creative side to them and I wish that everyone could use it to benefit God and use it to teach others about the love that God shares. God gives us the abilities why don't we use it for good and not evil!
Chapter 14 is about communal feasting. Tippens opens with a lot of talk about memory and the loss of memory. At first I had to do a double take to make sure that I was reading the correct section because my assignment was to read about feasting. But, as the pages wore on, I found that I was indeed reading the correct section and that there is a profound connection between memory and food. Tippens points out that it was once said, to think of your best childhood memories is to think of the things you ate as a child. There is so much truth to be found in that. This concept of the connection found in food and memory also is illustrated in the Bible as well. Often times when a momentous occasion was about to occur, biblical figures joined each other in a feast, or a meal. When the Jewish people still to this day celebrate the Passover, they do so with a feast. When Jesus shared his last evening with his disciples, they did so privately in an upper room together sharing in a meal. Tippens points out that meals make good memories because all of the senses are engaged during a feast. You smell and taste the foods that are there, you see and hear the food as well as the guest at the feast, you touch as you hold hands in prayer over the food, and you engage all of your senses. As the chapter opens Tippens really focuses on the loss of memory by Americans. He compares us to an Alzheimer’s patient. We have forgotten our history because we have moved past the days of feasting. We as a culture move so fast and now place so little emphasis on dinner time with the family and friends we are beginning to lose our sense of identity. We have become no more than a nation of people with amnesia.
Reading for faith is something that I haven't really ever thought about as being a spiritual discipline. But when I think about it, the times I have read a book about Christian faith I have really enjoyed it and have grown from it. For example, this past summer I read Redeeming Love. I had heard so much about that book and everyone that read it loved it. It's a modern day story about Hosea. The main theme throughout the book is that no matter how much you turn away from God, He never turns away from us. He is always there and always will be. At the time I read this book it was really comforting and I was able to grow spiritually from it. It made me turn to the Bible and read Hosea. I never read it before then but after reading it is now my favorite. I taught a ladies class this summer at the church I was interning at about Redeeming Love and the ladies there really responded to it. Although it requires time, reading Christian-centered books is a great way to grow in faith. It can even give you a new perspective on reading the Bible like it did for me. I only wish I had more time for reading books other than the Bible.
Tippens discusses the topic of suffering. He said many things that I have only learned through long years of trying to understand and assist those who suffer as well as get a grasp on it myself.
He said that we must tread lightly when discussing suffering. I agree wholeheartedly. It is so easy to listen to non-Christians who say that they cannot love a God who is not good and our God allows way too much suffering to be that. Very quickly, even Christians become the judge of God, despite how little we know of Him. The Bible says we have a right to question everything, but when we begin to tell God what He is and isn't, we have lost our place as the created, I think.
Tippens also talks about how sometimes those who are suffering don't need answers. If there is one thing I've learned, it is that when I am in pain, I usually do not want to hear about how things could be worse or what I can do better next time. There is a time for that, yes, but sometimes all we, as humans, need is sympathy. We are not perfect, infallible machines that get back up and do better next time. We have to develop into God's image and that means we sometimes need to be given the time to do so.
I absolutely agree that suffering is part of the growing process. I cannot pretend to understand why innocent people suffer horribly. I often find myself being afraid that God will not continue to bless me as I have been. Why do I deserve it? We are not to live in fear, however. God is my rock and my fortress, and He will be near me whatever I suffer. That is much more comfort than I ever deserved to have.
Tippens talks about how seeking God is the ultimate goal of the Christian journey. It is true that science has been able to explain things that were considered mystery or godly in nature but that does not mean that we can take God away from the big picture. Keeping our faith in God and loving him can be challenging for Christians some time. When we lose a close friend or a dearest family member, it is part of the human nature to try to put the blame on God. On the other hand, when we are successful at getting what we want, getting a good job for example, we tend congratulate ourselves.
I took a class on Religion and Science in Spring 07. We were asked questions such as, what would become of faith and the church if the existence of God were undeniable? Or how is your life as a Christian going to be if somebody came up with an undeniable proof of the existence of God? Those questions made me wonder on the nature of faith and how important it is for Christians to be able to seek after God. Tippens also mentions Pascal’s 3 classes of people, which are, those who have sought God and found, those who are seeking God but have not yet found him, and those who are not seeking. Needless to mention in which class Christians ought to be.
Like I said earlier, it could be challenging for Christians to follow God. We are easily distracted by the material world and often we find ourselves not being able to dedicate time for meditation or contemplation on our faith. As said in chapter 17, “All Christianity concentrates on the man at the cross roads.” That is to say that every Christians have to face the decision process of seeking God or not EVERY TIME.
Buy Pilgrim Heart: The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life by Darryl Tippens here.
