When I was a child, I remember making a piñata out of a
balloon and papier mâché. We inflated the balloon and applied the coating of
papier mâché. Once the coating was dry, we popped the balloon and the papier mâché
retained the shape of the balloon that had been inside. Without the extra
strength of the balloon inside, we had to handle the piñata carefully, as it
was rather fragile (which is a good thing if you are going to swing at it with
a bat).
I see many folks whose Christianity could be illustrated
with a piñata. They have experienced the Ruach,
the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, at some time in their lives. It filled them
and their lives expanded. As they took on the works that manifested their
faith, these outward signs of discipleship became the manifestation of their
Christian walk. These important acts of discipleship—missions, Bible study and
attendance—at some point displaced the inner Spirit as the primary expression
of faith.
A faith practiced only in outward works is quite fragile,
and I’ve seen many who crack under the pressure of this one-sided, outward
discipleship. You will know them by expressions such as these: “I’ve done my
time,” “I need a break from church work,” “Let the folks with children handle
it,” “I’m burned out.” I’ve heard these comments and, I confess, at one time in
my life, I said such myself. When works for Christ are done from a sense of
obligation rather than passionate desire, burnout is the eventual result.
Works are certainly important, and the world is in great
need of visible expressions of the love of Christ. But the primary cry of the
heart is for an indwelling Spirit, not a project to complete. The “Protestant
work ethic” falls short in creating disciples who are aflame with love for God
and for each other.
Everything changes when one’s life is fueled by the Spirit.
Burnout is replaced with burning love. The heart of stone is replaced with a
living heart (Ezekiel 36:26), a heart that beats for God, and thus, for all of
God’s creation. It is such a passion that called me into the work of spiritual
direction.
Works, if they are to be a true expression of discipleship,
must flow from a faith enflamed by the Holy Spirit. A life lived from the
Divine Center leads us to works that are uniquely ours to do, that God created
us and gifted us to do. From such, there is no burnout, just the heat and flame
of an all-consuming love.