Why Contemplation Matters: A Conversation With John Mark Comer and Ger Jones About God Has a Name (Part 2)
Nov 8, 2024
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Ger Jones, from Vintage Church LA, joins John Mark Comer to dive into the transformative practice of contemplation. They discuss why mere willpower often falls short in driving personal change and suggest three key entry points into contemplation. The conversation flows from the power of meditation and prayer as pathways to deeper divine connection, to the impact of nature on forgiveness and understanding of God's presence. They provide practical tips for cultivating a spiritual practice in our busy lives, emphasizing authenticity over superficial distractions.
Contemplation is essential for authentic spiritual transformation as it requires collaboration between individuals and the Holy Spirit for deeper growth.
Regular focus on God's beauty through practices like meditation can reshape one's character, nurturing positive traits contrary to negative influences.
Deep dives
The Journey from Knowledge to Transformation
The importance of transforming explicit knowledge of God into an internalized experience is emphasized. The speaker reflects on the limitations of mere insight and willpower for actual change, noting that many individuals often feel stuck despite their genuine intentions. This awareness is rooted in the realization that simply possessing knowledge about God's characteristics, such as being compassionate and gracious, does not automatically lead to embodying those traits. Hence, the focus shifts to understanding the deeper, more complex processes required for lasting change.
The Role of Contemplation in Spiritual Growth
Contemplation is presented as a critical practice in the journey of transformation, highlighting the necessity of collaboration between individuals and the Holy Spirit. The speaker echoes the thought that both divine intervention and personal effort are essential for spiritual growth. By contemplating God's beauty and nature, individuals are encouraged to develop a deeper relationship with Him, which transcends mere cognitive understanding. This process of contemplation fosters a profound internal change that aligns one's being with the characteristics of God.
How Attention Shapes Our Identity
The concept of attention is discussed as a powerful determinant of personal transformation, asserting that what individuals regularly focus on will significantly shape their character. Examples illustrate how excessive exposure to negative or materialistic stimuli can lead to undesirable traits, such as anger or greed. In contrast, focusing on the beauty of God can nurture serenity and compassion within individuals. This highlights the neuroplasticity of the brain, reinforcing the idea that intentional contemplation can rewire thought patterns toward a more godly nature.
Practical Approaches to Cultivating Contemplation
Several practical methods for engaging in contemplation are shared, including meditation, Lectio Divina, and imaginative prayer. The emphasis is placed on actively filling the mind with God's truths and beauty rather than emptying it, offering a more relational and interactive experience with God. Personal anecdotes demonstrate how simple acts, like observing nature or engaging in worship, can facilitate moments of deep connection with God's presence. This underscores the message that contemplation can be both accessible and transformative in everyday life, regardless of one's personality or lifestyle.
Why is there such a disconnect between who we want to be and what we actually do? In this second of two conversations with Ger Jones of Vintage Church LA, John Mark and Ger discuss the practice of contemplation. John Mark argues that we overestimate the ability of willpower and insight to change us. Instead, he offers us three doorways into the practice of contemplation and practical suggestions for integrating this practice in our lives.
You can read more in the expanded hardcover edition of John Mark’s book God Has a Name, now available wherever books are sold.
Key Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 3v18
This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jana from Richardson, Texas; Janet from Liberty Lake, Washington; Allysa from Nipomo, California; Ryan from Dallas, Texas; and Anita from Anchorage, Alaska. Thank you all so much!
If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.
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