From The Life You’ve Always Wanted, by John Ortberg
Boundary Marker Spirituality
When our lives are not marked by genuine, God-directed spiritual change, we tend to look for substitute ways to distinguish ourselves from those we consider to be less spiritual. We adopt boundary markers — highly visible, relatively superficial practices intended to quickly separate the “insiders” from the “outsiders.” These boundary markers may include:
- Conformity to specified forms of dress and speech
- Adherence to certain rules of behavior
- Participation in prescribed activities
Boundary marker spirituality provides a false sense of security and superiority.
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Opposing Perspectives on Spiritual Transformation
Read the following passages and note the types of spiritual behaviors the religious leaders of Jesus’ day considered important.
Now, read the following passages to see a truly biblical perspective on spiritual transformation:
- Mark 7:5-8 — What was Jesus’ assessment of their spirituality?
- Matthew 21:28-32 — What did Jesus say that no doubt shocked the religious leaders?
- Luke 10:25-28, John 13:34-35 – Instead of focusing on external religious practices, what did Jesus emphasize?
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 – What is the evidence of true spiritual transformation in our lives?
- Romans 6:3-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, Ephesians 2:10 – What makes the complete remaking of our nature (transformation) possible? Why is it important?
- Galatians 4:19, Colossians 3:5-10, 2 Corinthians 3:18 – What do these verses reveal about the process of spiritual growth God accomplishes within each Christian?
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The Impact of Pseudo-Transformation
Consider the perspective author Sheldon Vanauken offers in his critically acclaimed book A Severe Mercy: The strongest argument for Christianity is Christians, when they are drawing life from God. The strongest argument against Christianity? Also Christians, but when they become exclusive, self-righeous and complacent.
Consider, too, the warning signs of pseudo-transformation that appear in Matthew 23, where Jesus denounced the religious leaders of His day for their lack of true spiritual life. As you identify these warning signs, think about the way these signs show up among Christians today.
Matthew 23: Warning Signs of Pseudo-Transformation
- Verses 1-4: Demanding obedience from others, but not practicing what they preach. Burdening others with the pursuit of exhaustive, external rules and practices, yet not helping to bear the burden.
- Verses 5-8: Doing their spiritual duties so that other people will notice and honor them. Expecting other to honor them. Taking pride in their knowledge, position and influence.
- Verses 13-15: Making it difficult for other people to enter (and in some cases preventing people from entering) God’s kingdom. Refusing to enter the kingdom of God themselves.
- Verse 23: Following the letter of the law but violating the spirit of the law such as by tithing every little thing to God, yet neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness.
- Verses 24-29: Preoccupied with appearing to be spiritual. Cleaning up the outside, but doing nothing to clean the mess on the inside. Being hypocritical.
