What images come to mind when you think of Spiritual Direction? How do you define Spiritual Direction? Are you having a difficult time coming up with anything? If so, you are not alone.
Personally, I often find it difficult to define Spiritual Direction. I often try to give an analogy of what it is. Or, I usually give an example of how it has helped me grow in my relationship with Christ. This week I want to try something different. I am going to talk about what Spiritual Direction is NOT. Next week I will give some of the traditional definitions from books, colleagues, and my own personal definition. Here is what I believe Spiritual Direction is NOT.
Spiritual Direction is NOT about the spiritual director. I believe there is a misconception that the Spiritual Director is to impart their wisdom onto the directee. Rather, Spiritual Direction is about the directee. It is about the issue, topic, or desire the person brings to the session.
Spiritual Direction is NOT about discipleship. Discipleship is teaching biblical precepts, while modeling and guiding others toward living righteously as followers of Jesus Christ. While a Spiritual Director sometimes talks about biblical concepts or other constructs from other holy texts. However, it is not their primary job. Again, those conversations only happen because the directee brings up those beliefs systems.
Spiritual Direction is NOT about Spiritual formation. Spiritual formation may refer either to the process and practices by which a person may progress in one's spiritual or religious life… While a Spiritual Director sometimes suggest spiritual practices that aid in a person’s spiritual formation. However, it is not their primary job. Again, those spiritual practices are only recommended when the directee brings up issues from their life where spiritual exercises will aid in the persons relationship with themselves and Jesus.
In the end Spiritual Direction is NOT a moral or theological practice. Meaning it is not about the Spiritual Director imposing or placing their morality or theology onto the Directee. If Spiritual Direction is NOT about the spiritual director, discipleship, or formation; then what it is about?
Discipleship: https://www.allaboutfollowingjesus.org/what-is-discipleship.htm
Spiritual Formation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_formation
Picture: This picture is real and was not edited, the stone is real, the trees are real, the soil is real, and the sky is real. Now the only thing you have to do is to change your point of view, look at the picture upside down!
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