Tag Archives: Integrated life

Who are you?

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During a heated political debate Abraham Lincoln was accused of being two-faced and insincere. Lincoln quickly retorted with a touch of humor. Referencing his homely appearance he said, “Honestly, if I were two-faced, would I be showing you this one?”

We chuckle at the witty reply but the truth is, none of us like to be called two-faced. It casks a negative light on our character, suggesting we would easily flow with whatever tide of opinion seems to benefit us at the time. While we’re tempted to think of it as gain or the easy way out of a difficult situation, it’s actually a strategy for defeat. Lincoln borrowed from the wisdom of Jesus when he said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25) It’s true for a nation; it’s true for an individual.

In his little book of wisdom to business people, Myron Rush reminded us that Satan’s cleverest lie was to convince us we have two lives: one for worship and one for work. Believing the lie sways us to believe we can:

  • act reverently in church and then yell at the kids on the way home
  • talk about world missions at church but neglect telling our neighbors about Jesus
  •  pray for compassion but treating employees and coworkers with contempt
  • build treasures in heaven while heaping  up treasures on earth

We have just one life to live, a life of integrity and consistent character, whose word is true which ever audience receives it. Whether a person is considered particularly spiritual in nature or not, the one whose word is true is respected. And if it’s what we most respect in others, shouldn’t we strive to achieve it as well?

What does an integrated life look like? I think it best to state the obvious up front: it’s not perfect. No one has it all together all the time. None of us own the corner store on truth. Even if we embrace the absolute truth of the one true God whose character and wisdom is always the same – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – our understanding and application of that truth is limited. We wisely seek the mind of Christ, but none of us have it completely, save what the Spirit of God reveals to us and we readily embrace.

An integrated life does not seek balance like the stage performer who tries to keep all the plates spinning on a stick by spending a little time here and there with each one. That’s chaos waiting for disaster. We try to balance work and family, hobbies and devotions, financial security and generosity. But eventually we all run short on energy and the plates come crashing down in our lives.

Rather an integrated life is more like the process of infusion. We all know that if we put some lemons, limes, and oranges into water along with a touch of mint, cucumber, or basil, will result in a tasty and refreshing drink. The water absorbs the vital essence of that which is allowed to steep in it.

We – whose bodies are 2/3 water – likewise are most refreshed and satisfied when we’re infused with the fruit of the Spirit. When we intentionally infuse love, joy, and peace into our daily agendas, everything we think, say or do starts to become flavored by their virtue. When we allow our relationships and interactions with those around us to be bathed in patience, kindness and goodness, we effectively live out God’s singular message of “love your neighbor.” When we pursue the character of God which includes faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, we are able to see the world around us, even our troubles, through his eyes.

Of course, what the water tastes like depends on what is infused in it. Replace love, joy, and peace with anger, jealousy and bitterness and our lives take on a very different, unpleasant taste. Infuse self-centered thinking and apathy, and we  will not see others at all. Soak our lives in instant gratification and comfort, we take on the flavor that does not satisfy nor refresh.

The longer the essence is infused, the more it will resemble the original. We were created in God’s image and urged to reflect him in all we do – not just our Sunday prayer lives but our everyday activities and ambitions. When what we seek is to be infused completely by God’s truth and grace, our lives are transformed. Dedication to thankfulness drives away self-pity. Forgiveness (of self and others) banishes bitterness and regret. Generosity dissolves greed.

There’s nothing two-faced about it. Who God is becomes who we are. One life to live with his purpose and passion.

 

 

Are you trying to find life balance?

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I had a dream. It was one of those conspiracy theory plots we all laugh about – until we discover them to be actually true. As with many dreams, the details were a bit sketchy by the time daylight arrived. But I remember the phrase “masked intentions.” In this dream I was a “mole” in an organization that promoted itself as a developer of healing medications. But in reality, their goal was to pursue a human genome project that would result in a Nazi-envisioned “perfect race.” I woke up just as I was being interrogated by the company on suspicion of being “the mole,” and before finding out if I was able to get the truth out to the public.

Whew! It was a thriller nightmare that left me exhausted. But it also left me pondering the “masked intentions” of our own lives. I wonder if we say our chief goal is to pursue God and follow his perfect plan for our lives, when in reality we are pursuing our own personal agendas. We hotly pursue profit and fame. Career and passion for personal hobbies consume us to the point people actually identify us by those pursuits. In the meantime, instead of actively pursuing God we find ourselves pursuing our own comforts and ambitions. God, family, and friendships take a second place spot in our agenda. We say, “I wish I had more time for prayer, for family, and time to visit friends who are hurting, but I am so busy!”

It’s a common dilemma. What are we to do? Perhaps our first thought is to try to achieve some sort of balance that results in a little time for what is most important in our lives. But the pursuit of balance often is like juggling too many balls in the air. Inevitably they come crashing down and create more stress that pushes us back to what we do best – pursuing our own interests and agendas.

Rather than pursuing the “perfect life balance,” may I suggest an alternative approach? What seems to make more sense is to focus on life integration. Balance requires finding time to add more into your schedule. An integrative approach to living subjects everything to the one most important thing.  The one most important thing is that which you will be most satisfied achieving at the end of life  and which brings you most enjoyment also at the end of the day.

What is that one most important thing? For most people I visit with, it comes down to faith, family, and friends. Simply stated it’s all about relationships – the only thing we take to heaven with us. So whether we’re at work or play or recharging our batteries by coming quietly before the Lord, our focus is constantly being attuned to our relationships with God and others. It is as Jesus summed up:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

As we integrate this dual command into everything we do, we’re asking,”Is this thing I’m doing, saying, or thinking honoring God? Is it demonstrating my love for others? Is this moving me toward the one most important thing in my life?”

When we are thirsty, we don’t say, “I’ll have some juicy lemons and limes and then have a drink of water.” No, instead we infuse the citrus fruits into the water for a cool refreshing drink. All parts become blended, not balanced and it is this blending that most satisfies us.

If there’s actually a way to achieve life balance, I think you’ll find it in the simple process of integrating – blending – our chief values with your daily activities. It’s found in sediting the goodness of the Lord in all our  activities and thoughts. Don’t be deceived by masked intentions. Be fully satisfied. Enjoy the one integrated life you have to live!

The Integrated (Not Balanced) Life

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Have you ever tasted two cakes made from the same recipe and discovered that one is much tastier and more satisfying to the appetite than the other? Or gone to the same restaurant and ordered the same meal at two different times and discovered what a difference the touch of the chef makes?

As much as we often talk about having the right ‘ingredients’ in our life or the proper “life balance”, I’ve often struggled with that concept actually working very effectively. We try to get “enough” of this and that in our lives: enough work, enough family time, enough time for chores and hobbies, hopefully some quiet time, time with friends, time with God, and time to reflect on the impact of our life and our dreams. And it IS wise to make sure we prioritize our thoughts and actions to make sure these vital elements aren’t robbed by other worthless endeavors. But have you ever felt this ‘balancing’ act leaves life feeling torn apart into pieces rather than made peacefully whole?

Wilbur Reese wrote a tongue in cheek poem years ago about wanting to buy just three dollars worth of God:
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep,
But just enough to equal a cup of warm milk, or a snooze in the sunshine.
Just ecstasy, not transformation.
The warmth of the womb, not a new birth.
A pound of the eternal in a paper sack.
(Excerpts)

We might be better to replace the ambition of a perfectly balanced and compartmentalized life with a blended, integrated life, lived with one purpose throughout our various activities, a life of integrity and passion, intentionality and consistency. As Myron Rush pointed out, the enemy’s greatest lie is to convince us we can separate our ‘secular’ and our spiritual lives with a little bit of one and so much of that. The truth is we have just one life to live fully and with consistency.

Like making bread or cakes, the FULL amount of ingredients of life must be blended, not just ‘balanced in proper proportions.

“Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.” Colossians 3:23