I have pointed out in previous blog posts that being spiritually healthy requires connection to our world in different ways: connection to God, connection to other people, connection to the living world around us, and connection to the physical universe. There’s one more connection that is essential if we are to be spiritually healthy. Sometimes I think this fifth connection is paid attention to the least.
We must remain connected with ourselves. If a person isn’t connected with himself or herself, it cripples their ability to really be connected with anything or anyone else. Without being connected with one’s “self,” quite regularly, we will change what we understand the world to be about. How can we be in a connected relationship with God when we are in effect living according to one set of standards at one time and another set of standards at another time? This double-mindedness was something that James warned about.1 He was talking about praying and not doubting; and if one was doubting, then that person would be unstable in all their ways. This is equally valid regarding any part of connection with God.
If we aren’t stable in our own personalities, we will be blown about by whatever wind comes along. We will vacillate between being loving to our neighbor in one instance, and another time not caring in the least what happens to that neighbor.
Being disconnected within ourselves is uncomfortable. We consciously, and more importantly unconsciously, try and cover up internal disconnects. When confronted with internal disconnects, we will come up with reasons why we are so different in various situations. What we don’t see is that we are out of relationship with ourselves.
Many mental health issues can come about when a person is out of relationship or not connected with themselves. There is a diagnosis for this condition when it gets extreme, and it’s called Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder). In order to treat this condition, a person must be brought to the place where they are in relationship with themselves and connected with all of themself.
If the self-connection part of spirituality is lost, a person won’t be able to connect with God, with other people, or with the living and non-living universe around us. That means all of our spirituality is affected.
Spiritual health is essential for the Christian. At the same time, it’s total spiritual health that is never fully attained. We, as followers of Jesus, must constantly be checking to see if we have lost any aspects of spirituality. We must always be looking to see where we can grow spiritually.
The good news is that God knows of our situation and desires what’s best for us. God stands ready to help us if we do our part. Spiritual growth may not be easy and at times it will most likely be uncomfortable, but it’s needed to really enjoy the life we have been given.
- James 1:5-8 ↩︎
