Cultivating Christian Character

When I hear the word cultivate I immediately think of gardening. The last time (and the last time!) I tried doing a vegetable garden, I clearly remember the arduous task of cultivating the soil. Thank goodness for rototillers. But as I suspect any decent gardener will tell you, it's all about the soil. Without good soil, good luck.

In mindfulness you often hear the word cultivate, both as a verb and as an adjective. You cultivate (verb) mindfulness as in improving or fostering a deeper experience (nb: in neuroscience we might say that we are making new and stronger neural connections). Also, mindfulness, as a tool, can be used to polish or refine certain attributes (e.g., compassion). Hence, by practicing mindfulness you can produce a cultivated (adjective) compassion - a more refined compassion than you might have had previously.

In Galatians 5:22-23, we are introduced to the "Fruits of the Spirit." Jesus said, we (Christians) would be known by the type of fruit we produce ( Matthew 7:16).  And so, in Galatians 5:22-23, we are introduced to nine graces that are produced in us by the work of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.   In previous posts I have offered a view of spiritual formation that utilizes mindfulness practices (and their close relatives - centering prayer and Lectio Divina). With mindful meditation, I suggest, one can cultivate a more present moment connection with God. As the distractions of life are filtered out, one can potentially be more present to experience these nine graces. In other words, as I am more present and available to the Holy Spirit, I may also be more receptive to the cultivation of these fruits of the Spirit in my life. Commenting on Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew Henry says, "By describing the...fruits of the Spirit we are told what...we are to cherish and cultivate (italics mine)." The implication, I am suggesting, is that the fruits don't come to us all at once fully ripened. If indeed I can polish and refine these fruits in my Christian walk, then I de facto add more vitality to my walk with Christ.

I fully admit that these ideas are formative. I am just now learning how to practice a mindful connection to God. But I am encouraged that what I see in my own life might be enhanced even more by using mindful practices to cultivate these fruits of the Spirit. In my prayerful meditations I attempt to be more present and open to what God has in store for me. Since I already know that He desires to impart these nine fruits to me, can an enhanced openness and receptivity to them be of some benefit? As I expand awareness of my own desire to posses them fully, might that produce a more fertile soil in which the Holy Spirit can achieve it's work? Romans 12:1-2 tells us that we are "transformed by the renewing of our mind." How exactly does this transformation take place? The verse says it is within the mind. So, if I can be more mindful, more fully present in the moment, more receptive to the good gifts of God, I can potentially experience the richness of developing and refining the fruits of the Spirit.

Wish me good luck (or better, pray for blessings).