This is the third in a series discussing five pillars for which I have become convinced that to live a fulfilled life and lead others successfully, requires committed, intentional, and consistent action. I have adopted this idea of these five pillars as a result of reading books written and listening to a podcast by Thom Shea. I view these pillars, as non-negotiable. Let’s see if I can articulate well enough that you might also be convinced.
This post is a bit of a struggle for me. It is so because, by design, we are all created to have a unique and individual spiritual experience. Putting words to my thoughts here will give you the way I see my spiritual well-being lived out. To compact this huge topic into a post that takes just a few minutes to read is not giving proper justice. I will hit some highlights, and let you decide whether Spiritual Well-Being is “Optional or Non-Negotiable”.
Humans are the only creatures on this planet to have a conscious knowledge of the difference between right and wrong, or good and evil…a sense of morals. Exodus 20, in the Old Testament, gives us the 10 Commandments. These are the groundwork for a moral and spiritual compass…perhaps we can call it a target for which to aim. Having morals and laws protecting other humans is more than just following “survival of the fittest”, which defines most other creatures on our planet. Morals are born from spiritual awareness and valuing of other humans despite their differences in appearance, ancestry, or other immutable characteristics.
In today’s business culture, we shy away from the word “sin”. The origins of this word come from ancient archery terms “Hamartia” (Greek) and “Hata” (Hebrew), both meaning, “to miss the mark”. It takes years of practice and incremental improvement to achieve the skill to hit a precise target. Over the course of these years, you will often miss the mark. If you have ever tried archery or any other marksmanship challenge which requires precise targeting, hitting the mark is very difficult and takes coaching, patience, and thousands of iterative attempts.
When we watch great athletes compete, what compels us to stand up and cheer when there is a big play or accomplishment? Could it be that it is a display of physical dedication, emotional commitment, and a spiritual experience that culminates and causes such great excitement in our heart and mind that we feel like we cannot resist the desire to cheer and celebrate? Great athletes have gifts and talents that go beyond DNA and intellectual acumen for the sport. They have what some call “intangibles”. Is there something spiritual in those intangibles?
When we use the 10 Commandments as our target for our moral direction, we will miss more than we hit. However, through coaching, practice, and diligent attention and focus our accuracy is improved. This journey also teaches us to be humble and understanding of the difficulties that arise when aiming at Spiritual Well-Being and growth. Putting us in a mindset to better influence those in our care and help them aim in a direction that brings them spiritual health.
I am not espousing a specific religion. I have been raised in a Christian community that is governed by Judea-Christian principles. I have the privilege of living in a time that is built on a foundation formed by the likes of Socrates, Plato, Plutarch, Jesus of Nazareth, Saul of Tarsus, and many other great thinkers who challenged common culture and pursued the spiritual realm. These men have shaped our Western Culture. Spirituality is not about perfection nor about controlling others. It is about getting in touch with the “intangibles” that are within each of us to help us grow and pursue a target that makes us better people and leaders.