Organic Faith
In almost every supermarket there is a section for organic foods. With the increased awareness of the danger of pesticides and hormone enhanced meats, more and more people are willing to pay a little more for produce and meats that are organically grown. Organic refers to a living entity, an organism, that is free from pollutants and artificial additives. Organic farming produces less of a harvest and is more time and cost consuming, but the soil is richer, the water retention greater and the taste better. It is getting back to the original way in which food was produced.
This new interest in eating organically, has also influenced many to try to discover the essentials of their faith in Jesus Christ. The busyness of life, the emphasis on doing works that may be pleasing to God and others and the routine nature of much of their Christian devotion, has created an unnatural sense fulfilment. The soil of their spiritual life has become depleted of all nutrients and though they receive their weekly “water”, there is no retention and growth. It is like drinking seltzer water. Your stomach feels bloated, but it is still empty. When the gas dissipates, the sense of emptiness returns.
I believe that organic faith describes the type of relationship that God desires to have with man. It is the embracing of Christ as one’s Way, Truth and Life. The health of the plant comes from the root, not the branches. So, in using this agricultural metaphor, let’s get back to an organic, spiritual life style. Here are some helpful guidelines.
- Rid your lives of all pesticides. Be careful not to consume or transmit harmful or judgmental attitudes from others or self. Resentment is like taking poison and then expecting the other one to die.
- Focus on sustaining a healthy relationship with God; free from the pressure of productivity, performance and results.
- Growth is natural when one meditates on the Word, waters it in prayer and shares with others. Note, natural growth takes more time than artificially enhanced production. It respects the natural seasons of life.
- Organic living costs more in time that we set aside with Christ. It is not the easier path to follow, but there is by far less stress and waste.
- God’s aim is to draw us to His love and to His heart.
- Organic faith is also good for the environment. Others around you are blessed by your presence and they are drawn to desire the kind of faith you have.
After a seemingly, unfruitful time debating the Greek philosophers in Athens, Paul goes to Corinth. Later he writes of this experience when he said: “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (I Cor. 2.1-2) Paul saw the futility of debate and focused on the essentials. He trusted solely in the power of God, rather than in his own capabilities. He got back to his organic faith.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Samuel 16.7; I Cor. 2.1-2; Psalms 37.1-7; 19.14; Mat. 22.37-40