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You are here: Home / All Posts / Spiritual practices:the balance of inward and outward-Thoughts on the Mennonite Church

Spiritual practices:the balance of inward and outward-Thoughts on the Mennonite Church

March 18, 2019 by Sheri

As I continue to build good spiritual habits in my own life(it’s slow going, but I can’t give up), my thoughts are often drawn to my church and how we can build healthy group habits, or traditions.

I have discussed in previous blogs our focus on outward practices. I’ll be honest, when I first began thinking about traditions and whether we need them, my first impulse was to think that we don’t. Why should a family of mature believers need to have every aspect of modesty spelled out when such details are not commanded in the Bible? However, as I continue to write and think about traditions within the conservative Mennonite church, I’m beginning to see great value in group habits.

I do see that these outward practices are empty if they are not built around a core of strong inward practices. I know that because of our history of breaking from the Catholic Church, we have shied away from ideas of confession, certain kinds of worship, and taking the Lord’s Supper literally. This fear of our past has driven us toward a more Protestant view, which in our case leaves the inward life mostly up to the individual, and focuses heavily on the appearance and outward actions of the believer.

Yes, we call for repentance and belief in Jesus before baptism and joining the church. Sins of the flesh and mind are forbidden in our standards. That is, sadly, as far as our accountability to one another goes. As long as a member dresses appropriately, avoids certain places, and attends church regularly, we have little or no precedent to seek after their inward spiritual well-being.

I propose that if we are so well-suited (and even dependent on) structure within our churches to remain united, then we should strengthen our structure to include inward practices commanded in Scripture. What would happen if an entire church fasted one day a week? Or practiced hospitality once a week toward the poor, lame, and underprivileged in our communities? I don’t know how a church habit of inward simplicity, modesty, and submission would look, but I know that it would result in outward simplicity, modesty, and submission without any outward practices being set in place.

I write these things as a product of this kind of church system. I too find it very difficult to approach a sister in Christ about her spiritual life, or to find joy in praying without ceasing, or to peacefully submit to my authorities without complaining. Though my pride demands I wait to write these things until I have it figured out, God has reminded me that I need help. We all do. Only when He opens our eyes to the presence of Christ within us can we see what we are capable of.

I write this with prayer and a hopeful heart.

What are your thoughts?

 

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About Sheri

Here Goes Something New!

Hi, I'm Sheri Yutzy. I love forests under the night sky, trying new foods, and drinking Irish tea.
I'm married to a musician who looks good in black, mama to two toddlers who love to eat, and happy resident of a Cape Cod cottage in Ohio.
I write YA fantasy and am acquisitions editor at sparkflashfiction.com.
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I know, it looks like I’ve only read fantasy thi I know, it looks like I’ve only read fantasy this year. This is not true, but they do make such lovely pictures. 🤩 Fantasy, especially YA fantasy, is the genre of my heart, and since my bookshelf space is limited, I tend to buy more of them. Did I mention they’re pretty?😅

⛸️Wishtress, by @nadinebrandes 

🌊A River Enchanted, by @beccajross

🏇The Scorpio Races, by @maggie_stiefvater

🌲The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by N.K. Jemisin

🐉League of Dragons, by @naominovik

Have you read any of these?

Can you name five books you’ve loved this year?
🌿☀️🌿 My best tip for finding magic every 🌿☀️🌿
My best tip for finding magic everywhere?
Go out and catch a few children.
Release them in your backyard.
Let them rummage in your cupboards and tiptoe into your bedroom with their treasures.
In the morning you’ll smell daffodils everywhere.
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What is a day for? I found myself pondering this q What is a day for?
I found myself pondering this question as I meditated on Scripture this morning. I love to achieve things, and sometimes I get lost in the maze of caring for little ones while wanting to get something—anything—done. I’m living a dream life, saving money every day (by not using daycare😅). Half the time it feels too good to be true, the other half it is just too real and never seems to end.
But this morning I was seeking silence before God and it occurred to me that what I was doing was the point of my days. I am here to love Him and be loved, and show my children how to love Him and be loved. And I can do that to better effect because of the many tiny tasks they need me to do for them. They’ll see His love in how I prepare their food, teach songs, finally make the Playdough they’ve been begging for.
It’s the task of my life, and when these children are moved away, it will remain my task.
How lovely is that?
What are ways you let God show you He loves you?
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