Good for the Soul
All of us are being formed in one way or another. We are shaped by the people we associate with, the shows we watch, the podcasts we listen to, and the culture itself. Being a Christian is recognizing formation is happening and choosing to be formed according to the ways of Christ. In other words, being a Christian is being like Christ.
Transformation into the image of Christ is something that takes a lifetime. It does not happen overnight. It is a journey we begin at the moment of our conversion. How do we achieve such a lofty goal? We might start with a question.
What is good for my soul? We would do well to meditate often on this question. What practices are life-giving? What habits lead to blessing? What disciplines shape me to be like Christ? What words set me on a path to abundant life? What is good for my soul?
We are blessed to live where we live. The pace of life is slower in small towns, which is beneficial for the soul. In the introduction to a book on Wendell Berry’s essential essays, Paul Kingsnorth describes Berry’s formula for a good life as “Slow down. Pay attention. Do good work. Love your neighbors. Love your place. Stay in your place. Settle for less. Enjoy it more.” Slowing down is good for the soul because it gives us the opportunity to notice and appreciate what we have. We are able to be thankful. We can get to know our neighbors and form relationships with them. Slowing down is good for the soul because it frees us to focus on God. J.I. Packer once offered this sage advice: “Live slowly enough to think deeply about God.”
As we slow down and seek to live a blessed life, we can begin to focus on habits that will shape us into the image of Jesus. Dallas Willard advocates for practicing the discipline of not having the last word. How might such a practice bless marriages and relationships? James 1:19 states we are to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Forming habits related to speech is not easy, but the dividends are great. As we seek to speak less and listen more, we are becoming like Jesus.
Another habit we might seek to develop is utilizing our tables. Again, we are blessed to live where we do. Life is slower in Fayette County.
Many people have gardens. Most of us have memories of Sunday meals or family meals around a table. It is fascinating how often the Gospels record Jesus having a meal. This is not a coincidence. Meals were an essential part of Jesus’ ministry. There’s something holy, especially in our day and age, about turning off the TV, putting down the devices, and gathering around a table. There’s something special about inviting someone to your table. A habit like this can open up opportunities and shape us into the image of Jesus.
We are blessed. Slow down and take note. Seek to be like Jesus and do the things he did.