Saturday Nov 21 update …
Go back and look at Monday’s
post. The table shows that spiritual strength is the capacity to:
1. be committed to our
deepest values, regardless of our circumstances;
2. be morally upright and virtuous.
2. be morally upright and virtuous.
Let’s set aside the second
one for this post since not everyone will agree on what those words actually
mean. Let’s just stick with number 1 and look at it a bit closer. The table
says that strength is a measure of one’s capacity to do work or complete a
desired task that requires intense energy. Combine that with #1 above and we
see that spiritual strength then is the capacity to be committed to our deepest
values, despite any and all circumstances.
There are times when life’s
circumstances seem almost intentionally hostile to our principles and values,
and that’s when our spiritual strength comes in to play. If we are spiritually weak
then we will compromise our principles and values at the slightest sign of
opposition. If we are spiritually strong then we won’t. If we are incredibly
strong in our spirit then we might even be prepared to die for our convictions,
values, principles and beliefs.
The question is … how do we
exercise this to grow in that capacity and get stronger? I don’t know if my
thinking on this is the right answer … all I know is how I have grown my own
core values and principles … and that is by reflecting on them continually so
that the emotional side of me (my real powerhouse) can support the spiritual
side through passion.
As I mentioned yesterday,
passion can be intentionally sparked in us through purpose and calling. When we
declare certain things to be core values and principles and then continually
reflect on them, they become such a deep part of our character that it becomes
increasingly difficult for us to think/act against them. Therefore, in the case
of the spiritual part of us, strength is developed by driving principles and
values deep into our core; that’s why they are often called “core values”
because they are rooted deeply within us.
Principles and values are
our roots. If they are shallow we are weak and topple easily …. If they are
deep we are strong and can withstand any adversity against our character.
A strong man or woman is one
who is, first and foremost, strong spiritually … meaning they have core values
and principles deeply rooted in their character … principles and values that
drive virtually everything else.
Are your roots strong? Do
you even have any? If not then this explains almost all self-sabotaging
behaviours you find in yourself.
Come back next Monday as we
shift from strength and look at exercising for flexibility.
Blessings Viphilus,
Your friend, Omega Man
* Viphilus means, "lover of life"
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