Practicing spiritual formation through community.
by Rebecca Caswell-Speight, Minister of Families and Faith Formation
In James’ writing to the dispersed followers of Jesus, he reaches each of us today. He lets us know that no matter where we live or on what great things we agree or disagree, we are still near to one another through Christ. However, that nearness takes practice. He tells us, “You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Humans like formulas; we are quick to jump straight to the quick and easy solutions. However, when paying attention to the entirety of chapter one of James, a learner can see that the writer repeats one phrase over and over: “my beloved brothers and sisters.” James emphasizes the importance of community together so that the community (us) may understand the importance of the formula.
Throughout the season of Lent, we focus on the theme of spiritual formation—the conscious effort to make our relationship with Jesus Christ the center of our lives. It occurs when we deliberately turn to Christ and ask that His way of life form and shape us instead of the values of our culture and this world. Spiritual formation fulfills our longing to see the world and God’s love through the presence of Christ’s Spirit within each of us.
Christian formation is a lifelong goal, and James considers it best achieved within community. To be near one another takes work. To be near one another requires us to speak hard truths. To be near one another requires a guide along the way.
We invite you to continue practicing spiritual formation and drawing nearer to Christ in our upcoming Silent Retreat. This retreat will provide space to intentionally practice being quick to listen, slow to speak and being open to the still, small voice of God. As we journey together in faith, may we be encouraged to embrace this invitation, reflect on James’ wisdom, and draw closer to the gift of the world God has so graciously bestowed on each of us.