In the
fourth century Evagrius Ponticus described three levels of spiritual growth
which is the basis of all orthodox Christian spiritual direction. These are commonly known as Purgative,
Illuminative and Unitive.
I have
found the three ways helpful guides as I long to grow closer to God. They help me recognize spiritual growth in my
life as well as explain spiritual progress to others. These three ways point me to God and show me
how to detach from the world. They remind me that the goal of my Christian life
is to be one with God.
In the
Purgative, souls purge themselves from the world. Along with humility, losing interest in the
world’s offerings is the real beginning of the spiritual journey. Finally the world pales in comparison to
knowing the love of God. Priorities
change. How you think about material
possessions becomes transformed. Jesus
called us to humble repentance. That is
the first stage of returning to our true identity as God’s dearly beloved
children. The purgative is a conversion
of the heart. Jesus said: Where your treasure is there your heart will
be also (Matthew 6:21). When you
treasure God more than the world, you are moving through the purgative
way. You begin to see how foolish you
have been to try to derive satisfaction from the world. Sometimes you are the last to notice that you
are not the same person you used to be.
Your humble repentance has transformed your wants, your hopes and your
dreams. Not only do you purge the world
from your obsession, you are no longer totally consumed with yourself.
A deepening
level of spirituality touches souls who have made a break from the slavery of
the world. Their minds are converted
with light from God. They are able to
discern heavenly perspectives, especially about suffering. Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 6:24). Souls that are illuminated with the light of
Christ embrace the mystery of suffering.
They believe everything that happens in their lives, whether good or bad,
will accomplish God’s glory when they place their trust in God. Intimacy with God is desired more than an
easy life. It’s at this stage of the
spiritual journey that past friends and family may become disappointed because
the person they liked is now focused on totally different values. Not only does the soul not like what is once
liked, it also sees and understands more about God’s glorious work in the
world. It is as if the mind is
illuminated and can see beyond the circumstances to the glory and purposes of
God. This soul is making great spiritual
progress in turning back to God.
The goal of
our Christian life is the Unitive way.
This is the conversion of the spirit when we are one with God. Another world for this is Theosis. Jesus prayed that we could see His glory (John 17:1-5). That is what happens in the Unitive way. It is a Mountain top experience with God that
all souls long for. We are created to
partake in the glory of God. This is
what was lost in our demise through sin.
God longs for us to share in His glory. As we progress through humility
and obedience, intimacy with God is our soul’s destination.
Comments
Post a Comment