How are we "saved?" Every religion offers its own answer to this and its own definition of what it means to be "saved." What intrigues me is how most people give up reflecting on this question early in life. When I ask people about the path to salvation, the most common answers I get are "my faith answers that for me" or, amazingly, "I haven't thought about that."
Of course, my assumption is that everyone wants to be "saved" and is reaching up from this place of our humanity to find grace. But, I may be mistaken. If lots of people have never thought about it or have given up considering the subject, does this mean they have their answer or that they no longer care? Or have they chosen a higher reason? Have they decided that a personal pursuit of salvation, is, perhaps, too selfish a concern?
Here are a few thoughts that have occurred to me about this perplexing subject. 1) Most people who think about salvation imagine it as a state of grace. 2) Many "religious" people believe that the path to salvation travels through the church to which they belong. Part of the reason they attend their church is because they believe it increases their chance of salvation. 3) Some people believe salvation comes through how we live our lives. For example, the more "good" we do, the better our chance of salvation. Others believe that salvation is a gift of grace that comes to us independent of anything we do.
This last set of ideas causes me to wonder if artists see their art as a pathway to salvation and if caregivers see their work the same way? Caregiving from a place of Love means we are engaging God's light. But, there may be a trap here. If we choose caregiving only because we see it as a pathway to our personal salvation, have we, ironically, destroyed our goal? Does selfish intention defeat salvation even if good to others results?
What do you think?
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5 responses to “Days 335-336 – Salvation and the Art of Caregiving”
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I believe salvation is a state of grace, a gift freely given without need of some reward or accomplishment in return. Salvation comes from remembering our origin in God, with this recognition nothing we ever do can change reality; we belong to God. When we perceive ourselves as separate, the world is a fear-filled place, one of lack, and we take on a defensive stance. Attack is always a call for help and we must not deny our brothers/sisters Love for we when we do we deny ourselves. I need only bring my fear into the light and ask for inner guidance. The Holy Spirit is ever-present and ready to reveal Love’s truth.
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Luke 11:9.
“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22.
When we awaken from death, we find new life in Love. Love extends out to bless others, Love is real, our Love is eternal.
How are we saved? By opening our hearts to accept the gift of Love and seeking forgiveness of self through Love of other. My salvation is in you.LikeLike
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You raise an important question about our motives. More often than I wish to admit my motivations are self serving rather than altruistic. My actions really stem from wanting to meet my own needs versus the other person, i.e., my need to be admired, thought well of, loved… I find I need to be vigilant as my ego is very tricky and these actions come from a feeling of lack. Yet, a Loving intention expands out to bless others in wondrous ways and there is no mistaking the difference between the two.
You pose another thought provoking question, “Does selfish intention defeat salvation even if good to others results?” When the results are good, at least we are leaning in the right direction and it is much better than harmful and destructive results. Sometimes we do good things even when our heart is not in it. When we would rather succumb to lying on the couch then getting up and doing for another. Often I find the good result is enough to spark Loving intention for the next time. Sometimes we may have to go through the motions when we feel lost from our groove. At least that was how it was for me last night going to Sharing Sunday dinner at Emmanuel House. I usually look forward to the night of fellowship and yesterday I attended even though I would have preferred to stay home. I find that when I do step beyond myself even when my motivation is not pure the benefit to the other person and myself is still positive. I am thankful that each day is a new opportunity to begin again. I want to learn to give more from a place of Loving intention versus one of self-sacrifice, I want experience God’s radiant light in everything.LikeLike
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A question comes to mind – what are we being “saved from”? This question is the root of belief from my upbringing. Being saved from hell or eternal damnation or from being separated from God for eternity. This never resonated with me because it seemed I was being asked to cling to something out of fear rather than being drawn to something out of love. As I continue to ponder this question, I am more inclined to live the latter. I am saved because I accept Love as God’s eternal gift and recognize this gift within me and within you. I live in the grace of acceptance of who I am and eternally seek to share love with other people, as a manifestation of god’s love in me.
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Growing up in rural middle TN, part of the Bible belt, I have been asked (even as a small child from a TV repairman), “Are you saved?” I have never known how to answer this. Usually, I just said yes to avoid further proselytizing. I’m like Karen, I wanted to ask, “Saved from what?” And I have asked that in my adulthood.
Here is my theological understanding, feeble as it may be. There is nothing I can do that can make God love me less. And there is nothing I can do that can make God love me more. That is LOVE.
Once I “got” that I was loved completely, I started loving others, not for my sake so that I could prove my inherent worth, but for the sake of others. But then from my study of Buddhism, primarily Zen Buddhism from Paula Arai at Vanderbilt Divinity School, came the understanding that no longer distinguishes so much between me and other. We are interrelated, all connected.
But I must tell you, I am United Methodist. And I relate to John Wesley’s doctrine of sanctification. Said another way, we are always going on to perfection. Thus I never quite “get it” completely. But the “going on” part means I continue to strive to love God, self, and neighbor.
Now, remind me what salvation has to do with all this? Liz and Karen are right. Just love.LikeLike
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Most of the time when I step out to assist someone out of the ordinary, or give of myself, it makes me feel good. It’s a bonus to know it’s appreciated. I’ve never thought about the salvation factor. All that I know is that my belief in God gives me a stronger purpose in all the good that I do. And I do receive it back from others.
Of course I live in the hell vs. heaven fear; but I continue on the path of faith and love in God and in every living thing. I’m human and happy to know everyday I have the opportunity to make a choice. And I pray on them daily…LikeLike
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