Unlearning Established Habits
A few weeks ago I was invited to give a talk on Christian piety. Since we really don’t use this term much in the 21st century, I thought it worthwhile to also share a brief recap here. (This will be a two-part article, so stay tuned next week to catch the conclusion.)
When we look up the definition of piety in Webster’s dictionary, we find: “fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents); dutifulness in religion; a conventional belief or standard”. Some synonyms include religion, faith, and devotion. To sum all of that up in “Christianese”, I’d like to offer this definition: directing one’s whole life toward God in changing your heart by seeing yourself as Jesus sees you.
Unfortunately, we often experience piety in our lives in some less-than-godly ways. Assuming the broader audience has (mis)conceptions about what piety even means, this week I’d like to present to you three fictional characters illustrating misguided attempts at developing pious lives. Next week we will continue the conversation, looking at how piety can healthily be lived out in our Christian communities.
Holy Harley
Harley is a pretty good-looking individual (religiously speaking). They go to an impeccably-clean church with cushy sanctuary seats and immaculate landscaping, and there is a baptism or dedication ceremony practically every week. Harley also knows their memorized prayers without blunder and is quick to tell about their latest Scripture reading.
Looking past the veneer though, it might be agreed that Harley actually has a prideful heart and is Christian in name but perhaps not in spirit. In their fixation on the externals, this individual has lost sight of a genuine dedication to God. They have become distracted in looking “the part”; they are talking the walk, but not walking the talk.
Mechanical Morgan
Morgan is a fairly chill person who easily goes with the flow. Glancing through Morgan’s calendar, there are regular entries where they serve at church, have a dedicated quiet time with the Lord, and volunteer in the community and abroad.
Nevertheless, the things that Morgan once did for Jesus out of a genuine spirit of love are in fact now devoid of purpose and simply are part of their routine. At the same time, this person misguidedly feels they shouldn’t adjust or quit any of their church-based activities because all those things are what a “good Christian” is supposed to do.
Hypocritical Hillary
Hillary is a friendly individual that everyone enjoys hanging out with for a fun time filled with laughs. They have lots of stories to share about their childhood family that had weekly pizza nights, summer camping trips, and academically-involved parents. Hillary also seems to be on the verge of an awesome job promotion at a company that values each of their employees through regular incentives.
Despite their stories though, Hillary is struggling with intense depression and is deeply concerned with what others will think about their “real self”. The picture-perfect family of Hillary’s youth was in fact due to severely controlling parents, and the company where Hillary works doesn’t tap into any of their passions. Nearing a breaking point, this individual must decide if keeping up the facade is worth the emotional and spiritual exhaustion.
All is not doom-and-gloom; Christ offers abundant life filled with joy, hope, and peace. Next week we’ll explore what a genuinely pious life can look like.
