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By no means am I here to extoll Spartan culture as virtuous – I know too much about their history to do so. There are, however, some very pragmatic elements associated with them and, it why their name is associated with a certain, bare bones approach to situations to this very day.
Let’s dig a little bit deeper so you can better see what I’m driving at and how this applies to believers in a spiritual context.
You see, if I take a “Spartan” approach to living, it means that I am going to put in place, only those aspects and infrastructure that will be absolutely needed for survival. My dwelling may not be particularly “posh” or “luxurious”, but it will absolutely serve my needs.
The elegance of this approach lies in the flexibility it confers. Perhaps you recall when you were younger (or maybe you are younger) and owned very little. For me, the process of relocating could be accomplished in a day and with a single rented truck. I simply didn’t have tons of stuff encumbering the process… or myself.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a life of excess. I mean, we’ve all seen images of opulent properties filled to overflowing with high-end furnishings and materials. It’s something that certainly looks good from the outside, yet when you think about it, the owners of such properties essentially become enslaved to this. I mean, they go so far as to require hired-hands to tend their things… something that would, to a Spartan, seem insane.
I won’t lie, the older I get, the more I see the simple elegance and brilliance of the Spartan approach – but I digress.
How does this apply in a spiritual context?
I’m glad you asked.
Recently I was contemplating a project I’ve had on the side for many years. The goal of this project was to introduce an otherwise ignorant audience to some core truths presented in scripture without simply “beating them over the head with it.” Sadly, the resources required to complete this have been slow in coming and the effort required to complete this undertaking is something that whole companies would generally devote entire teams to.
Honestly, even that had never really dissuaded me, so I pushed forward when time and resources allowed. Presently, the project sits, gathering proverbial “dust” as I have attended to other matters. Namely life.
As I contemplated this project, during a time of particular meditation with the Lord, I simply lifted the issue before Him. When I did so, I heard Him speak.
For those unfamiliar – this does not mean a voice boomed from the sky. Often the Holy Spirit will speak through you thoughts. He’ll sound like you, and yet you somehow know that this did not originate from your own consciousness – it’s the “still small voice” at work. Incidentally, this voice is within and available to us all – it’s NOT something reserved for the favored few, yet discerning when it’s truly Him speaking is a skill that takes time and effort to develop and It begins by actually listening.
Okay – this isn’t a tutorial on “Hearing God”, so let’s get back on track.
What He said to me was simple; “I am pruning”.
Though I wasn’t alarmed by the statement, I puzzled – “am I not ever returning to this project Lord?”
He responded with one word: “Spartan”.
And that, I understood and accepted.
You see, it isn’t that the goal of this project wasn’t noble – or that it didn’t glorify god – or that I wasn’t capable. It most certainly was noble, did glorify Him and, given time, was something I could complete… however, at this present time, it is a distraction and an encumbrance! Currently, the Lord is cutting away everything that does not serve my calling. As He said, He’s “pruning”.
What is my “calling” exactly? Same as that of every believer – to be salt and light, to call the lost to repentance, and to preach the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.
Duh!
Seriously though – we are ALL called to this, though the vehicles through which we are gifted to so vary. Some are gifted orators, others write, and still others reach out through music, or art… you get it.
I don’t know how exactly the Lord is moving right now, but I now that He IS moving. So much is shifting, and in such surprising ways that it is clear to me that it’s His hand at work – and I’m not even talking about within my own personal life – I’m talking across the board. I am confident, in fact, that as you read this, examples from your own circles are leaping to mind even now!
As God is working, I believe He’s streamlining us and stripping away those issues, concerns and matters which tie us up or slow us down. He is un-encumbering us that we may step into a new season, ourselves renewed. He is preparing us, like the Spartan Warriors of old, to move at a moments notice – spears at the ready, eyes on the prize.
Elohim Adonai is my strength!
He makes me swift and sure-footed as a deer
and enables me to stride over my high places.
Habakkuk 3:19 CJB
This Sunday evening, at sundown, Yom Teruah – the Festival of Horn Blasts – begins. This heralds the coming of the Days of Awe and the Fall Festivals of the Lord. They are not “Jewish” festivals, they are God’s festivals.
Blow a Shofar – sound a trumpet – lift up your voice. Do whatever you can to make a joyful noise before the Lord! These are the yet-to-be-fulfilled “types and shadows” of things to come. They are reminders of the promise and they are worthy of your observance.
Why? Because they’re God’s appointed times.
Until next time.
שלום עליכם – Shalom Aleichem – Peace Be Upon You