Operating two dimensionally in inward, upward, outward discipleship

Yesterday we talked about some of the unintended consequences of operating in just one of the inward, upward and outward journeys. But the same is also true when we do only two of the three. For years I was ignorant of even the need of the inward journey, but it affected both of the other two. In the outward journey, I was operating out of a co-dependent interpretation of the beatitudes, going not only the second mile, but twenty fifth! This robbed those I was seeking to help, of the maturing and self respect that comes with taking responsibility for their own stuff. It also trained them to feel and act entitled. My upward journey was also far from being unaffected, as I was trying to get my identity and significance from what I did for God, rather than from my position as His sonship, I was operating out of an orphan spirit.

Many in the helping professions do the inward and outward journeys, but omit the upward journey. I'm told, for example, that many clinical Psychologists sit under take multiple hours of counselling. In this way knowing themselves helps them to see more clearly what others need. I mean in the end we are all very much the same. I understand though that there's much burn out in these professions, with the helpers becoming hardened or cynical. When this happens, those needing help are not likely to be treated with respect or dignity, and the help becomes somewhat toxic. In ongoing difficult situations we likely cannot continue to give love, if we're not receiving it. Many times in both the inward and the outward journeys we may know what to do, but be unable to do it (Romans 7:8). The upward journey, when fully entered into, can give us the love, power and wisdom to do what without Him, is impossible. It can also bring healing when we're suffering from burn out. On the upward journey, the love of God is poured out into our hearts. And actually without Him we can do nothing (Romans 5:5; John 15:5). 

The saying that best encapsulates inward and upward without outward is “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). I like the illustration that compares the sea of Galilee to the dead sea. Water flows both in and out of the Galilee, and it's healthy. The dead sea is dead, because nothing flows out of it. In the end, we need the outward journey to remain healthy. However, since the outward journey is the very last step of twelve step programs, the deeply wounded may first need periods of convalescence. We may have our hands full with the inward and the upward journey for a while. And there are times in deep recovery when we might not be so nice to be around for a while, and there is a time to withdraw for while (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b, 5b). Eventually though we will need to come back and obey “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:6).

Father, it's so, so easy to get these things our of balance and slip in one, or more of these ways. And when we do please nudge us through Your Word and Your Spirt and bring us back on track. We need Your help Lord to do discipleship in a holistic way. Help us not to be weary in doing well in these things. Help us to realize that holistic discipleship is “life long learning.” Thank You for You work in us, in Jesus Name Amen