What if getting closer to God requires that I climb down not up?

Let this idea sink in for a moment.

I mean, I know the common 'wisdom' that the spiritual life involves ascending to heaven and escaping this mortal world. It’s right there in the word, “spirituality!” Obviously, I need to climb the ladder to connect with God, right?

Nope. As Philip Cary says, “Divine carnality” unites us to God — not human spirituality. “Divine carnality” means God actively sanctifies us. He incarnated (in-fleshed) himself to come near to us! And he is still doing so today! We do not need to de-flesh ourselves, God clothes and will clothe our mortal bodies with his immortality! (1 Cor 15:53).

Philip Cary explains: “In our spirituality we are all too prone to be like Zacchaeus, wanting to climb high to see the Son of God. But the first thing Jesus says to him is ‘Zacchacus, hurry and come down!’ (Luke 19:5). I imagine him saying this with a friendly laugh, as if to say: ‘What are you doing up there, Zacchacus? I'm down here, and I mean to come have supper with you. But how can I eat with you if you're way up there?’” … “our home lies not in ascending to heaven but in heaven descending to us… What is properly divine, which is to say eternal life in Christ Jesus, must descend from heaven to clothe us.” (37, 53).

Christian “spirituality” is really “looking to Christ's life-giving fesh rather than the power of the human spirit” (37).

Invitation to practice

Alright, but what do I do with this beautiful insight? What is the practical action step that follows from the insight that “divine carnality” is Jesus’ alternative to “human spirituality?”

Rest! As in, “Stop fighting! And know God!” (Psalm 46:10).

The Psalmist is addressing the warring nations who are refusing to accept God’s rule, but we might as well take it personally. My insistence on ascending to God declares war on God! It’s a rejection of the ways of his kingdom.

The prayer is “Thy kingdom come” not “Here I come!”

So today I invite you to simply receive God’s sanctifying work in whatever happens. God has promised that he will seek and save, we simply undergo—we suffer—God’s action.

BUT REALLY HOW DO I DO THAT!? Good question! But a sufficient answer would make this email to0 long. And the truth is, the answer lies in relationship not words. I would love to talk with you personally about it. Email me, or let’s talk directly, I would love to connect!

You can snag 10 minutes of my schedule to chat, or schedule an initial spiritual direction session with me.

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