This quote just grabbed me:

“From Rabinical Tradition we learn that the world rests on three pillars: (1) the study of the Torah; (2) prayer or worship; (3) good works. . . . Start with study, the moment of insight, and the light. Only then switch to prayer. Finish with action, the ripe fruit of study and worship.”*    

I am always looking at spiritual programs like this. We are to grow in grace, which is ultimately a work of God, but what’s our contribution to this growth?  The wise rabbis quoted here advise starting with the study of Scripture, moving on to prayer, and finishing with good works. I think they are right.

I believe there needs to be a proper balance for an individual or a group to have a healthy spiritual life. Emphasizing study or prayer or action to the exclusion of the other aspects of spiritual life results a spiritual illness. Not maintaining the balance would be like trying to live on Milky Way bars for all three meals a day. It might be delightful for awhile, but it can result in diabetes or rotten teeth.

The balanced life isn’t just something the rabbis know about. The Rule of St. Benedict which governs Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries carefully regulates the times for prayer, study, work, and meals.

I believe every congregation and every individual Christian needs to look at their lives to make sure they are maintaining a proper balance. How do we spend our time? Is it a healthy approach? It’s worth reviewing life to see how we’re doing.

Read 3 John 2 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

*Benoît Standaert, Spirituality: An Art of Living, p. 342.