Curb Your Enthusiasm

Today’s scripture: Matthew 9:14-17 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Penny Dean):

As both a student and an apprentice teacher in SoulShift classes, I continue to be struck by not only how similar each individual’s spiritual journey is, but also by how different. We all start somewhere, but not on the same foot. Some of us are born into Christian homes, some aren’t. Some of us become disillusioned with church and leave never to return. Some go their own way and encounter God elsewhere. Our journeys are our own.

In the passage for today, we see John’s more mature disciples criticizing Jesus’ followers who were fresh from fishing boats and tax collecting. Jesus told John’s disciples essentially that his own followers were not ready for more extreme spiritual practices as fasting. It was not the time for that.

They were excited to be in the presence of the Messiah and more solemn forms of worship were constricting to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus’ followers were the “new wine.” They had to mature within a setting that would grow and expand with them. John’s followers wanted Jesus’ disciples to curb their enthusiasm. They, after all, had been around the block a time or two and thought their way to be best. John’s disciples, therefore, were the old garment (or “old school”).

Change is hard for most people. For example, the church in which I was raised split over the use of pre-recorded music in worship. Most of the congregation couldn’t handle the change. As a result, the use of pre-recorded music was forbidden and families left to find churches that were more accommodating. This situation is akin to sewing patches of new cloth onto an old garment to make it last. That approach often makes the situation worse and causes bigger holes.

Jesus’ point in these verses isn’t that change can’t be good or that we should remain spiritual infants. Rather, we each have individualized journeys and we shouldn’t judge someone based on their spiritual practice. God meets us where we are. Fasting or feasting, God is there. Traditional hymns or funky hip-hop, God is there.

Thought for the day: Where are you on your spiritual journey? Are you resistant to making changes in your spiritual practice?

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.