How deep is depth?
One of the words that I always encounter as of late is Depth, which is defined by a downward movement or something that is sourced from the inside out.
“Sourced from the inside out”, now that sounds interesting. It does make you wonder if it is something we can work for, or something we can only pray for and ultimately receive? I tried to think of certain qualities that can show and develop depth.
Freedom source - Spiritual depth comes from God, who remains our source of purpose and growth. He gives us His word (the Bible), His example (Jesus’s life) and His church and fellowship to grow in. We also have our experiences in worship and prayer. Deciding to surrender to Christ as our only true source for happiness, life, peace and everything else. It is a hard decision to make, but is a very freeing one. It’s one of those paradoxes in life; a commitment to Him ultimately frees us as people.
Discipline - A word that is easy to mutter and hard to embody. Discipline implies a free choice. It implies intentionality. It is something we choose to do, consistently without stopping. With that definition, most of us including myself, fail constantly. Don’t despair, keep pressing on. The world tells us that freedom is something that cannot mutually exist with discipline; it is either one or the either. However, reason shows us that every choice we make has a limitation. If we want to go deep-sea scuba diving, our limitation is the lack of air and the different level of pressure under the sea. Therefore, we would need gear and a tank. Same thing can be said of depth, we have to find that routine that helps us grow and stick to it!
Visibility - First of, depth is something that can ultimately be measured or at least an attempt can be made to measure it. However, like the vastness of the ocean, human face a limitation in attempting to measure its depth. We have our own convenient little constructs, but the bible does provide the guidelines for becoming a person of depth. I would think that depth is something that can be seen in a person. What is one thing we can see? Action. Now, a word of precaution.. this doesn’t mean an individual can go around and saying that one person is shallow or deep, you must know the difference between discernment and judging (more on that on later posts). Also, this post is meant for us to reflect on ourselves first (I know, i know. It is easier to find fault with other people, but it is not a positive trait to develop.)
The fruits of the spirit is something that we can see with ourselves and how we are going along spiritually (Galatians 5:22). Some common examples are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. These things do not come naturally to people, it involves discipline and growth.
Accountability - It is important to have responsibility for our decisions and our actions. It is helpful to find accountability with a certain number of trusted friends and older people who can act as our spiritual mentors. People who can love and accept us for ourselves, and who can rebuke our wrongful actions or decisions. Depth needs more substance and less of murky qualities. Our accountability partners help us clear the unhelpful debris out in exchange for clear purposes and intentional actions.
Joy (Laughter plus enjoyment) - One important thing to have is the ability to be joyful. It is very challenging and really takes a different perspective that only Christ gave give us. Life is really full of happy and unhappy surprises and it is easy to forget to enjoy it because we are also trying to survive it. True freedom and depth comes with the ability to laugh at your foibles sometimes, laugh with others in fellowship and have an overall positive outlook on life.
Awareness is a step. Action is another step and prayer is a helpful reminder that in Christ all things are possible to those who believe. Keep hoping, trusting and loving, God isn’t finished with all of us yet!
