I used to think that spirit was the possession of a few—the initiates, the chosen. Exclusivity is common in many religions. The “haves” and the “have nots.” “We have the truth and you have not. We have the scriptures, and you have not. We have the correct rituals, and you have not.” In one of the tellings “We have the spirit, and you have not."
This week I have been studying the writings of an old tai chi master, Da Liu, who was one of the first to bring tai chi to the USA. I am challenged by his understanding of “qi,” breath, spirit, the energy that pervades all that is. No exclusivity here. The Jewish prophet Joel spoke of a day when G*d would “pour my spirit on all flesh.” Again, no exclusivity. St. Paul said, “to each is given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good.” Spirit, here, is not merely individualistic but is for the common good. When spirituality, in our culture, has often been reduced to my private odyssey, my own “feel good,” spirit as the energy of service is a useful corrective. Spirit enlivens me to care for you.
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These “fruits” are the character traits of the spiritual person. What does a spiritual person look like? She is a generous person. He is gentle. They are kind. She has a deep joy. He is self-controlled. They love. When you meet someone who is faithful, you meet a spiritual person. When you see gentleness in your friend, you see their spirituality. This fruit of the spirit is no respecter of religion, or no religion. It is not based in beliefs of one kind or another. The fruit the spirit knows no creed or dogma. It is not based in race, or nationality, or culture, or gender identity. The fruit of the spirit is as expansive as “all flesh.“
“G*d is spirit, and where the spirit of G*d is, there is freedom.” Ultimately, spirit loosens the bonds that keep us locked up. Wherever there is movement toward freedom, there is spirit.
+Ab. Andy