Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the right things in your spiritual life, yet something still feels off? You’re not alone. Many of us strive to grow spiritually, but we often overlook the emotional health that should accompany it. This week, we’re diving into the symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality, a crucial step in our journey towards a more fulfilling relationship with God.
Understanding Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality
The main point of our blog today is to recognize the symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality so that we can address them and grow into a more mature, emotionally healthy spiritual life. Peter Scazzaro, in his book “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality,” outlines ten symptoms that can help us identify areas needing attention. These symptoms are not the root problem but indicators of deeper issues that need healing.
One of the most common symptoms is using God to run from God. This might sound counterintuitive, but it happens when we engage in religious activities to avoid dealing with the difficult areas God wants to transform in us. Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone who calls out to Him will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. It’s a reminder that our actions should align with God’s will, not just our own desires.
Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. -Matthew 7:21
Another symptom is ignoring emotions like anger, sadness, and fear. Many Christians mistakenly believe these emotions are sinful, but they are part of being human. Denying them can distort our understanding of what it means to be made in God’s image. Instead, we should acknowledge these feelings and allow God to guide us through them.
We also need to be cautious about dying to the wrong things. While Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, this doesn’t mean we should abandon the good parts of who we are. God wants us to enjoy the healthy desires and pleasures He has placed in our hearts, as long as they don’t overshadow our devotion to Him.
Taking Action Towards Emotionally Unhealthy Spirituality
So, what can you do to move towards emotionally healthy spirituality? Start by identifying which of these symptoms resonate with you. Reflect on whether you’re using God to avoid facing certain truths or if you’re ignoring emotions that need to be addressed. Consider how your past might be impacting your present and whether you’re dividing your life into secular and sacred compartments.
Once you’ve identified these areas, bring them to Jesus. Ask Him to help you work through these issues and guide you towards emotional maturity. You might need to repent or apologize to others as part of this process. Remember, you can’t achieve emotionally healthy spirituality without Jesus. He offers life abundantly, and it begins with believing in Him and making Him Lord of your life.
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
– John 10:10 NLT
Books I Enjoyed on this Topic:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship – Peter Scazzero
(Amazon Affiliate Links)
Conclusion
The journey to emotionally healthy spirituality is about allowing Jesus to transform every part of your life. What steps will you take this week to invite Him into those areas you’ve been avoiding? If you don’t address these symptoms, you might miss out on the abundant life Jesus promises John 10:10. So, take a moment to reflect and decide how you’ll move forward.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the areas in our lives that need Your healing touch. Help us to recognize the symptoms of emotionally unhealthy spirituality and guide us towards emotional maturity. May we invite You into every part of our lives, trusting in Your love and guidance. Amen.
Go and recognize where you need to grow today!
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