Christianity is called The Way – 8 September 2009
Yesterday I mentioned a lesson I learnt on Holy Island a few years ago – over the next few days I shall be quoting from a book “The Pilgrim Way” written by Ray Simpson who has committed his life to recapturing something of the Celtic spirituality that is foundational to Christianity in this land. In particular we will be looking at the value of a rule or “Way of Life”.
In our age, with its pace of life and technological complexity, people are looking for a path that is simple but not simplistic; in an age of increased mobility people are looking for roots; in an age of dislocation people want to reconnect with the whole. An authentic Way of Life does not stifle our personality; it can free us to live from our deepest core.
“Christianity began as a way of life. Jesus called himself “the way” (John 14:6). He told people they had a choice between two ways: the selfish way that leads to a dead end, or a God-guided way that leads to life (Matt 7:13,14), After Jesus’ death, his followers became known as “The Way”! (Acts 9:2). Presumably this was because they not only held beliefs, but also had a way of behaving which people noticed. This way included a daily rhythm of prayer (Acts 2:42,46)
“Over the centuries Christianity became over-regulated. Organisations and dogma replaced the simplicity of journeying with God. In seventeenth-century Europe Nonconformists rebelled against the imposition of church regulations which did not reflect their calling. In our day, people in Free and New Churches distinguish between legalism and the enabling power of good framework.”
He then quotes the President of the Methodist Conference in 1998 “Having a pattern of life helps us to be actors rather than reactors. It helps us secure balance between work and leisure, church and community …. It encourages us to have a structure that frees us from the tyranny of pressure or personality.”
I know the reality of this; so much of my life feels like I am reacting to situations and people rather than have a proper balance in my life, that’s why I’m taking seriously this call to consider adopting a Way of Life. Too often it feels like I am not living the life I am called to because of external pressures and my own indiscipline, maybe having clear boundaries and guidelines will help me.
As you seek to follow “The Way” of Jesus Christ today consider the obstacles that stand in your path to authentic Christian living and invite Jesus, (the way, the truth and the life, John 14:6) to help you journey on your way. Tomorrow we’ll look at our responsibility in living the Christian Way.
If you want to know more about the Way of Life used by Ray Simpson and the community he established, and the sort of things a Way of Life may contain follow this link
http://tinyurl.com/ntkbjl | 