Last Sunday a guest at Westside Gathering, Rob Vagacs, taught on the theme of brokenness illustrated through some lyrics on U2’s last CD. (your love is teaching how to kneel; take this heart and break it). The scriptures are not silent about this characterisitc.
Brokenness is a Christian characteristic that is difficult to apply because it sounds a little counter progressive/cultural. Because of some questions I got this week about how to apply this theme to one's life I’ll share some of my thoughts in processing this characteristic of brokenness (I'll have to admit though, I haven't mastered the virtue, I'm in progress):
Why intentionally become broken? How?
A better question might be: what is it you’re dependent on? How do you view yourself – invincible or in need of God’s mercy? The Psalmist David wrote that God embraces “a broken spirit and contrite heart” (Psalm 51) discovering this truth after falling morally. His sin caused him to be broken. His sin brought him to depend on God’s mercy. It humbled him.
Interesting, his brokenness which led to humility created a disposition in him that helped him experience God.
BUT: Do you have to sin or fall morally to be broken? I hope not.
Do you have to be crushed to become humble? Again, I hope not.
Can you think of a way to come to this disposition of brokenness without being hurt or falling into sin?
Consider the spiritual practices of scripture reading, prayer, and community.
By reading the scriptures for the purpose of hearing from God and learning how to live the life of Jesus we’re making a big claim: I need God’s word to live life to the fullest promised by Jesus. Reading and absorbing the scriptures reflects a disposition of brokenness.
Prayer acts as the same tool. When I pray, I come before God, humbly, admitting I need him, his presence, his wisdom, his love. I admit I cannot fulfill his desires for my life on my own. I need his intervention. Prayer too reflects a disposition of brokenness.
Lastly, when we join our worship gatherings and home groups we’re discerning the need for community as we follow Christ. We admit that we don’t just drift into spiritual transformation. We acknowledge that God has designed us to be IN CHRIST and IN SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY simultaneously. Participation in spiritual community also reflects a healthy disposition of brokenness.
Some of us are on the right path if these spiritual practices are part of our life. Some of us might need to consider which practice needs more attention (scripture, prayer, gatherings, or another). Some of us – like David – will experience struggle, crisis, or a moral failure – and like David soon discover God in that broken point. Then hopefully we’ll keep and cultivate the disposition of brokenness even while restoration moves us out and away from the sin or obstacle that got us there in the first place.
Is there another way to appropriate brokenness that you can think of?
2 comments:
Hey Dave,
This wasn't mentioned in the message, but I'd like to take this chance to emphasize "brokenness" as a lifestyle. It's a constant reevaluation of one's character and attitude. I've found that brokenness offers the Christian a grounded perspective, and in turn, a grounded perspective allows for a milieu of humility. As James writes, this makes for God's great tilling ground.
Rob
Thanks Rob!
I'm glad you reminded us of that (at Westside and now through the blog). I used 'disposition' as a way to help me understand it as a constant place that my heart can be in so God can work more freely in and through me. I love that phrase, 'God's great tilling ground.' Is that from The Message?
Post a Comment