Question: All I want out of life is spiritual growth. What would this mean in a Christian sense? I feel a strong calling to withdraw deep into my soul through some sort of meditative/mystic practice. I want to get as close to Truth as possible. I feel like nothing else in life is worth pursuing. … Continue reading Q & A: All I want out of life is spiritual growth. What would this mean in a Christian sense?
Tag: advice
Q & A: Should a Christian go to court?
Question: I think my landlord is trying to wrongfully keep my security deposit, but I know that Christ said to hand over things that people demand of you and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-42). Would it be wrong for me to tell my landlord to give me my deposit back, and even go to … Continue reading Q & A: Should a Christian go to court?
Q & A: How exactly does the Lord punish us?
God does not punish, nor does He intervene. He just gives kindly advice, and then allows each person to make decisions with their free will. Through the consequences (good or bad), the person then learns lessons and gains recognition of how to properly adjust to His Will. Imagine the following: A parent cautions their child … Continue reading Q & A: How exactly does the Lord punish us?
What is happening vs. our thoughts about what is happening.
Our thoughts are the eyes we use to see experiences. Thus, we do not really experience what is happening as it is, but our thoughts about what is happening. That is why it is possible for two people to outwardly go through the same experience, but inwardly draw different conclusions. Or for someone to see … Continue reading What is happening vs. our thoughts about what is happening.
Ikenna E. discussing different topics
The Restlessness
You will be amazed at the ubiquity of soul-restlessness today. I speak to many people who, despite the outward trappings of stability, normalcy and success, are struggling with irrepressible bouts of restlessness, discontent, and dissatisfaction. The feeling that something is missing beyond the forms of their daily lives. The feeling of the absence of deeper … Continue reading The Restlessness
The message of temptation
I am convinced temptation is not a fixed concept, but rather a relative idea. Two people can face the same opportunity, but only person A is tempted. Yet the same people could face a different opportunity, but now only person B is tempted. If the appeal is relative and the situations were the same, what … Continue reading The message of temptation
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a measure of closeness. For a test, ask yourself the simple question: “with whom am I willing to be most vulnerable?” And there you will discover who you are inwardly closest to. When we are most vulnerable, we are most genuine. When we are most genuine, we are most honest. When we are … Continue reading Vulnerability
The sick child
Q: How do you know a child is sick? A: The child will show symptoms that diverges from its healthy state. That means, to recognize any sickness and abnormal signs, true knowledge of the normal condition and personality of the child is needed. The same concept holds for man spiritually. What is normal, what is … Continue reading The sick child
What is the source of my suffering?
Throughout my life I have earnestly asked myself this question in trying moments. Approaching this inquiry from different angles, I arrived at two interconnected answers. You see, there are two layers to suffering I have identified that are opposite ends of the same coin. Here it is: 1) Refusal to wholeheartedly accept what is before … Continue reading What is the source of my suffering?
Foundation for Ascent 