We Are Family
What Is Religion?
The word religion is linked to Latin roots that mean “to bind or tie together.” In its most basic form, religion makes sense of life, rooting people deeply into communion with God and binding them with one another. Looking at it in this way, we might ask if we are labeling ourselves correctly inside and outside of church gatherings. For modern folks, what holds us together may be our calendars (complete with their chiming, electric liturgy of hours!). Where is our time and energy actually focused? Work? Family? Money? Power?
Something holds each of us together. What is our deepest religion? Is it spiritual? Is it spiritually mature?
What we recognize as our deepest self is likely most alive when we step out of our busy routines. Where do we gain the center, the energy to steer through the decisions and tasks of a busy day and life, to keep track of our whole self?
Can we be spiritual alone? Alone we are certainly responsible for our commitments, decisions, and conscience. But still, we are not created to journey alone. Our deepest spiritual instincts pull us outward into the life of community.
We seek wisdom from spiritual leaders and teachers, we are inspired by role models from gurus to saints. Companions befriend and challenge us, and our closest friends or soul mates are the people with whom we share what is most important—what weighs on us and moves our hearts. When we have achieved an insight or a breakthrough, we want to share it with those we care about, with those whom we desire to understand us.
Our best actions tell us that we are not meant just for ourselves. Have you ever helped another person, especially when there is no way the person could repay you? There is joy in the realization that we have done something selfless. Are those moments religious? It feels like we were built for them.
We were made in the image of God and have a natural tendency to share the supernatural. Part of our spiritual journey is to find the places where our best spiritual relationships can grow. Where can we gather that will stretch us and strengthen our life in God?