Brokenness is the Beginning
An important component of spiritual formation is how I as an individual come to it. Most of us seek a closer relationship with God after we have lived a bit, after we have been raised in a family, after we have realized our total failure control the chaos . . . or perhaps that is just me. It is recognizing and accepting the truth about my earlier life that can help me be more aware of the issues facing me in the formation process and the way in which my soul has been twisted or seared by my life experiences.
The Bible says, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) That is to say that God made me, and it was no mistake. Moreover, scripture teaches that I am loved by God and nothing–not even my brokenness–can separate me from God. (Romans 8:35-39) God is faithful to complete the work he started in me. I am an earthly vessel in which is stored (placed/housed) the glory of the Most high God. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
My brokenness is not the problem. The problem is my seeking to be perfect–to be less broken. It is a rejection of the truth of my brokenness. This seeking to be perfect and rejecting my brokenness opens the way for deceit. I am tempted to deceive others and/or myself into believing that I am whole. This thwarts the restoration and growth God seeks to accomplish in my soul, in my life.
I benefit when I embrace the truth that my brokenness (whether it is the result of my own sin or the sin of others) is of God. This brokenness, unique to me, is God’s doing. I am His Poema, His work of beauty, His epic poem, His design to testify of His greatness. (Ephesians 2:10) My value is in my destiny with God. It is the only value I have with eternal weight. This would be in direct contrast to the flimsy, worldly value which the Bible describes as a vapor, grass beneath the hot summer sun–chaff easily blown away.
So as you consider Spiritual Formation or engage in it, resist the urge to be perfect, to have others believe you are perfect. Be honest about the broken places and that will open the way to healing and restoration as you engage with the Spirit of God.
Rooted and Grounded 