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Experience The Real Organic Lifestyle: Organic Christian Faith

By Bonnie Gray • June 11, 2010 • 25 Comments

With all the focus on organic eating, wearing, and drinking, you’d think we’d all be living truly organic lives.  Are we?

A while back, when everyone was caught smack dab in the swine flu scare frenzy, a friend of mine got hit with a bad case of the flu.

It’s no fun, of course, so I figured I’d drop by and cheer her up — by bringing over some fresh fruit.

“Oh, what kind of fruit?” my friend asked, when I called to say I was on my way to stop by.    

“I was thinking strawberries and blueberries… Why?  Would you like something else?  I’m going to the grocery store before heading over.”  I was happy to be of service.

“Oh…” Pause. “Well… thank you very much for thinking of me.  But, if it’s not from the farmers’ market, that’s okay.  I like my fruit fresh and organic.”

After some friendly banter, the phone call was done and a friendly house visit was no longer needed.

Organic Faith

Trust me, I love eating farmers’ market fresh, organic foods, too.  But I had no idea just how serious my friend was about keeping store bought food away from her body.

It got me thinking, we are so good at obsessing over how natural we all are living — how are we doing at living a natural, organic Christian faith?

The importance of Organic Christian Living over Synthetically Produced Christian-like Living is a topic near and dear to my heart (aka. one of my hot buttons).  Like a bucket of ice water dumped on my head, I learned this lesson out in the mission field in Hong Kong, China.

When you’re in full-time ministry, it really isn’t any different from serving God in Everyday Life.  Seriously.  The main difference is the lingo.  It’s a different vocabulary, but we’re all talking about the same thing really.

We all want to know if we’re any good.

Can we offer any value to God or any one around us?

What are we worth?

And so, there’s a terrible game that gets played that has nothing to do with faith and everything to do with our fears.

Organic Christian Living

So, in hopes of sparing you the pain of other-evaluation or self-evaluation, I’d like to share my definition of Organic Christian Living (OCL):

1.  Pesticide-free. Do not consume or release harmful, judgmental opinions from others or self.

2. Highly Sustainable. Focus on sustaining a relationship with God apart from productivity, performance or results.  That quality of faith will be strong and overflow in sustaining all other relationships.

3.  Natural Growth. Chew on the Word, be transparent with others and water with prayer.  Natural growth takes time, during the sowing and winter seasons. Fruit will show up when the time is right.

4.  Higher Cost. Hang back with Christ even if it costs more in time and faith.  Even though no one can see what is happening, the trials and joys experienced by faith produce less waste and require less stress and energy.

5.  Richer Soil. God isn’t focused on the numbers.  His aim is to draw us to His love and His heart.   [ One study found organic farming gave 20% smaller yield using less synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.  But, the soil had higher quality and higher water retention. ]
6.  Good For The Environment. Others are blessed, not stressed when they are around you.

We can’t lose when we are God-evaluated.  We gain the spiritual health of joy and peace.

With all the focus on organic eating, wearing, and drinking, you’d think we’d all be living truly organic lives.  Are we?

What we really need is an organic faith.

“For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the Heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

How are you experiencing organic Christian living?

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25 Comments

  • Reply Kim June 11, 2010 at 5:29 am

    God has really placed a burden on my heart to live in a way that sets me apart. It is a little scary, because I’ve lived my whole life just trying to fit in. I really liked this post! Thanks!
    .-= Kim´s last blog ..Trusting God =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 10:49 am

      Kim, that is REAL organic faith! I can relate. Only when I’m fitting in w/ God, I feel at ease with others.

  • Reply Wendy June 11, 2010 at 6:13 am

    Excellent challenging post and something I’ll be thinking of throughout the day.
    .-= Wendy´s last blog ..One Question Friday =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 2:12 pm

      Hi Wendy!

  • Reply Debbie G. June 11, 2010 at 6:44 am

    I’ve never really thought about Organic Christian Living. I’m not into any kind of organic eating, buying, growing…. maybe that’s why.
    But I totally LOVE your definition of it! I’m sure I will take some time a little later and come back to this post to mull it over a little.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 10:48 am

      Thanks, Debbie!

  • Reply Jeanne' June 11, 2010 at 7:49 am

    Thank you, Bonnie, for sharing this post–a timely challenge and encouragement to me.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks!

  • Reply Tweets that mention Experience The Real Organic Lifestyle: Organic Christian Faith | Faith Barista -- Topsy.com June 11, 2010 at 7:52 am

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jake Lee, HisFireFly, FaithBarista, Maureen Doallas, FaithBarista and others. FaithBarista said: New Post — Experience The REAL Organic Lifestyle… http://bit.ly/blr27Z What is Organic Christian Living? […]

  • Reply David @ Red Letter Believers June 11, 2010 at 9:45 am

    While I think Organic food is more hype than reality, your parallel is really spot on.

    I think we that we try to super-size our spiritual walk with “hormones” and “additives” to make it grow faster, bigger, better. But really, the slow, rich methods you suggest are more long term and healthier in the end.

    Fun post BG!

    David @ RedLetterBelievers.com
    .-= David @ Red Letter Believers´s last blog ..Information is no substitute for communication =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 10:47 am

      Exactly. Super-sizing with hormones & additives is not natural.

  • Reply Kristine McGuire June 11, 2010 at 10:39 am

    Great post Bonnie. Although, I would point out that organic farming, clothing, and living (even when done part time by such people as me) does take a certain amount of intentionality or focus. Perhaps the same can be said for organic faith…being intentional. 🙂
    .-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Five Friday Finds ~ Fantastic Food! =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 11, 2010 at 10:47 am

      EXCELLENT point, Kristine! Love it.

  • Reply Debbie June 11, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    Bonnie, I absolutely loved this post!

    I so want others to be blessed and not stressed when they are around me, that’s for sure.

    I love what you wrote about the soil:

    “God isn’t focused on the numbers. His aim is to draw us to His love and His heart.”

    So many of your points are worth repeating. I’m going to Tweet this and put it on Facebook. Loved it!

    Blessings,
    Debbie
    .-= Debbie´s last blog ..Friday Funnies ~ Kids Say and Do the Funniest Things =-.

  • Reply Sandra Heska King June 11, 2010 at 2:57 pm

    Love this analogy! I also think of organic as simple. We try to make faith so complicated.
    .-= Sandra Heska King´s last blog ..An Early Morning Drama =-.

  • Reply Melissa Brotherton June 11, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    What a great post Bonnie! You have such a way of breaking things down and making them easy to chew on. This really does touch on where I am right now. It’s so easy when you feel the call on your life is to be in full-time ministry to get caught up in the numbers, productivity and results. It’s hard to separate your ministry career from your personal walk with God. Sometimes I think, “This would be easier if we were missionaries.” The idea behind that being that then your life is focused on doing God’s work to the people He calls you to. But, as a SAHM I’m doing that with my kids each day. As a member of my community, I’m to do that same thing for the people of my city. You’re right, “When you’re in full-time ministry, it really isn’t any different from serving God in Everyday Life.” Thanks for serving this up today!
    .-= Melissa Brotherton´s last blog ..My, Aren’t We Nosey =-.

  • Reply Dee June 11, 2010 at 8:11 pm

    It’s always good to re-evaluate where you’re going. I always try to be real…honest…and close to God. But without reminders like this, we could get a bit off the course. Thanks for keeping us on track. 🙂

  • Reply Amy Nabors June 12, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Very apt comparisons you’ve posted here. A lot to think about. Thanks for sharing.
    .-= Amy Nabors´s last blog ..Magic Moments of Alabama =-.

  • Reply Becky Ramsey June 14, 2010 at 10:03 am

    Love this post!
    I like my OCL in the natural state–no playing around with its genetics. I want mine free of mutations, as pure as the Source!
    So glad I discovered you. I’ll be back!

  • Reply call2write June 14, 2010 at 10:12 am

    Hello Bonnie! I enjoyed your whole article, but number 4 – “Higher Cost” – relates to specific issues I’ve been dealing with recently. As part of my battle with cancer I began to incorporate more organic foods into my diet, and became more vigilant about using products that contain chemicals or other harmful ingredients.

    Organic living is definitely more expensive in terms of monetary cost, but the benefits of better health and quality of life cannot be measured, especially if your health is already jeopardized by disease. An unanticipated cost for me has been the attitudes I’ve encountered when trying to maintain a healthy diet when eating with others. I don’t make an issue about it, but simply say, “I need to stay away from ____”, or “I’ll have ___ instead”, or “I’m sure it’s delicious, but I can’t eat it”. People readily accept a diabetic having to stick to a specific diet, but doing it for general health reasons is not so easily accepted. I’ve been labeled a “picky eater”, and had a couple of people make a huge issue out of the fact that I don’t eat certain things.

    So the cost of an organic diet often reminds me of the cost of following Christ. When I decline to do something, go somewhere, or watch something which would not be fitting as a follower of Christ, people often label me old-fashioned, or too serious, or even ask if I’m one of those holy-rollers. But the benefits of following Christ far outweigh the cost, now and eternally! It draws me closer to Him and improves my spiritual health for daily living.

    Thank you for a thought-provoking post.
    .-= call2write´s last blog ..Picking Strawberries & Dodging Snake Spit =-.

  • Reply 50centlove June 15, 2010 at 9:36 am

    When you go through a trial in life like I have this year, it is hard to live “Organically”. My faith has been tested, my attitude has been tested, my compassion for others has been tried. I know that people tell me that when I come out of this that i will be a better person. You hear that all the time. Let’s hope it is true.
    .-= 50centlove´s last blog ..Sweet Shot Tuesday =-.

    • Reply Bonnie Gray June 17, 2010 at 10:21 am

      You’ll not just be a better person. You will be a more deeply loved person, by the One who can love beyond our trials. Keep holding on to that hope,Debbie. And keep that honesty open, so you don’t have to carry it alone. Hugs.

  • Reply Rachel July 15, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Funny . . . this morning I was thinking – this is how I would describe myself- How I want to be – an organic Christian. I’ve heard of the organic church, but not organic christian – so I google it and your post came up!

    I love the concept. To me Christianity as a whole as become a religion instead of a relationship. It is burdened down with all kinds of fillers that aren’t necessary and actually case more harm than good. Fillers that distance us from a real relationship with God. To me it’s getting back to the relationship with God – keeping it simple and pure in loving Him and loving others. (All these programs, niches, demonations are burdensome and huge distractions). It’s about abiding in His pure Word. Being a seeker of truth – having a love for the truth. And not to make it about church, but be the church.

    Rachel
    .-= Rachel´s last blog ..Blue Eyes – A Flood of Living Waters =-.

  • Reply Jen September 25, 2010 at 10:16 am

    Really interesting way of looking at the faith journey Bonnie.

    Definitely reminds us to be both intentional and transparent in our beliefs.

    Makes me think about all the bad stuff I eat with the disclaimers or just un-pronouncable contents. I want a faith that is identifiable without disclaimer… simple. Sweet and refreshing like fresh, locally-farmed produce.

    Good thoughts to start my weekend, and definitely inspiring a trip to my local market. 🙂
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..Well K-word =-.

  • Reply Dionna August 12, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Hey Bonnie,

    Your post was refreshing, a blessing and on time. I know it’s not specifically about organic eating, but your analogies were right on. God had given me the desire to teach His people how to eat, so to speak. I had noticed that the church was SICK! I knew God had a better way for His people. So through prayer and deeper study of his word was birthed out Dee’s Health ‘n Fitness. Like you said, full-time ministry is no different than everday life, but it does set you apart.
    The post by Call2write mentioned how she’s been labeled because of the changes she’s done in her life. I’ve been down that road. It hurts at first, especially when it comes from fellow ‘believers’. Don’t I study and follow the same word, bible, God as you? I love my church home, but find it hard to fellowship with those that judge me against the very Words of God that they say they love and worship.
    God is complex, but not complicated. He’s deep, but not confusing. He’s thorough and precise. I just love Him and all his wonders! Simple, yet AWESOME!

    Thanks for being you,

    Dionna

    “Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?” @ http://www.deeshealthnfitness.com ‘News You Can Use’

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