Você é Aquilo que Ama: O Poder Espiritual do Hábito | James K. A. Smith

What Do You Want? Exploring Discipleship

The Theme of Desire in Discipleship

• The speaker introduces the theme "You are what you love," inspired by reflections on the Gospel of John, emphasizing Jesus's role in asking challenging questions.

• Notable examples include Jesus asking incisive questions like "Do you want to be healed?" and "Do you love me?" which provoke deep reflection among his followers.

• The first words spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John are a question: "What do you want?" This sets a foundational tone for understanding discipleship.

• The inquiry "What do you want?" is presented as a pivotal question that reveals our true desires and identities, rather than mere beliefs or knowledge.

• The speaker argues that our wants and longings shape our identity, suggesting that discipleship involves aligning these desires with God's will.

Rethinking Discipleship

• Discipleship is framed as more about hunger and thirsting for God than simply knowing or believing; it requires an alignment of our loves with divine desires.

• Acknowledging the gap between knowledge and action, the speaker highlights common frustrations where individuals understand but fail to enact their beliefs in daily life.

• Reflecting on personal experiences, the speaker notes how one can feel enlightened after learning yet struggle to maintain that resolve over time.

• Emphasizing that knowledge alone does not lead to holiness, the speaker critiques the assumption that intellectual understanding suffices for spiritual transformation.

• The discussion points out that humans are more than just thinkers; they possess deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions influencing their actions.

Understanding the Power of Habit in Discipleship

The Importance of Habit in Spiritual Life

• The speaker emphasizes recognizing the limits of thinking and highlights the "power of habit," suggesting that evangelicals often underestimate its significance in understanding discipleship.

• A holistic biblical view is necessary to appreciate this power, as many perceive humans merely as intellectual beings, neglecting the embodied nature of our existence.

• There exists a gap between knowledge and action; this gap is bridged by habits, which are crucial for living out Jesus' teachings.

Scriptural Insights on Knowledge and Love

• The speaker references Philippians 1:9-11, where Paul prays for love to abound through knowledge and insight, indicating a deeper connection between love and understanding.

• Contrary to common interpretations, Paul's prayer suggests that love should precede knowledge; we must love first to truly understand what is good.

Rethinking Human Nature

• The speaker argues that human identity isn't solely centered in intellect but rather in the heart (kardia), which encompasses our desires and longings.

• This perspective shifts how we approach Christian life and discipleship—focusing on what we desire rather than just what we know.

Metaphor of Humanity's Journey

• Humans are likened to pilgrims on a quest, emphasizing that being human involves movement towards a destination or purpose.

• Drawing parallels with existential sharks needing to swim to breathe, the speaker suggests humans must continually strive toward their goals or "telos."

The Concept of Telos

• "Telos" refers to an ultimate goal or vision of the good life that drives human actions; it shapes who we become based on what we pursue.

• Our implicit vision influences our direction in life more than mere arguments or rational persuasion; it acts like a tractor beam pulling us toward our desired outcomes.

Understanding the Human Heart and Discipleship

The Nature of Longing and Desire

• The human experience is driven by a vision of flourishing that captures our imagination, leading us to desire certain ends.

• Our longing for a version of the "good life" or "kingdom" is inherent to being human; we are made in God's image with an innate desire for love and connection.

• Love is central to our existence; it acts as both the engine driving us and a compass guiding our desires. We navigate life not just through thought but through what we long for.

• The heart serves as a compass and homing beacon, directing us toward what we love while also revealing deeper desires often hidden from conscious awareness.

• Recognizing that our loves operate subconsciously can help us understand how they shape our lives, especially in relation to following Jesus.

The Role of Love in Discipleship

• To follow Jesus effectively, one must recognize that love operates on a subconscious level, influencing our actions without overt awareness.

• Understanding how our loves are shaped is crucial; discipleship involves recalibrating these desires towards Christ-like living.

• Paul’s teaching in Colossians emphasizes that love should be viewed as a habit—something cultivated over time rather than merely an emotion or thought process.

• Good moral habits (virtues) become second nature when they are woven into our character, allowing us to act automatically according to these virtues without conscious effort.

• Discipleship is about transforming one's wants and desires so that they align with Christ's teachings, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to embodying those values in daily life.

Christian Formation and the Recalibration of Our Loves

The Nature of Christian Formation

• Christian formation involves recalibrating our loves and retraining our longings, emphasizing that learning to love requires practice rather than mere intellectual understanding.

• Our loves are shaped by the rhythms, routines, practices, and communities we engage with; this immersion can lead us to love things unconsciously without realizing it.

• Many cultural rituals influence our hearts subtly, aiming to change what we desire rather than just altering our thoughts.

The Consequences of Misalignment

• If our hearts are misaligned or directed towards the wrong desires, it can lead to a malfunctioning moral compass that results in significant spiritual disorientation.

• A historical example illustrates this: Captain Johnson's ship was off by two degrees, leading to disastrous consequences when compounded over distance.

The Importance of Regular Recalibration

• Just as a compass needs regular calibration, so do our hearts; they must be oriented towards Christ as our true north amidst secular influences.

• Our ultimate loves and desires are learned through actions rather than just knowledge; thus, habits formed through community practices shape how we love.

Cultural Influences on Love

• Misalignment in our loves often stems not from bad ideas but from cultural practices that train us toward rival gods and kingdoms.

• Secular liturgies shape us significantly; they are not neutral activities but actively form our desires and inclinations.

Unlearning Habits for Spiritual Growth

• To grow spiritually, one must unlearn ingrained habits absorbed from worldly influences; simply rejecting these influences is insufficient.

• God understands human nature as creatures of habit and provides worship as a means to recalibrate our heart compass back towards Him.

The Church as a Healing Center

The Role of the Church in Healing

• The speaker reflects on the teachings of a prominent church doctor, emphasizing his insights on the crucifixion and its connection to the church's role.

• The church is described metaphorically as a hospital, where God invites individuals for healing, extending Christ's work through its community.

• Augustine’s concept of "totus Christos" (the whole Christ) is highlighted, stressing that Jesus as both head and body signifies an integrated approach to faith and healing.

Insights from Sermons on Psalms

• A sermon excerpt illustrates how Adam serves as a type of Christ; just as Eve was formed from Adam's side, the church emerges from Christ’s sacrifice.

• The sacraments flow from Christ’s side during crucifixion, symbolizing the sacramental power inherent within the church.

Salvation and Post-operative Care

• Salvation is likened to surgery—a transformative process requiring ongoing care post-operation to ensure spiritual health.

• Emphasizes that receiving a new heart (spiritual transformation) necessitates changes in habits and lifestyle for true sanctification.

Sanctification Process

• The church functions as a rehabilitation center for those with new hearts, focusing on sanctification—recalibrating one's life towards holiness.

• Sanctification involves learning to love correctly; worship acts as an incubator for developing these new loving habits.

Invitation to Reflect

• Encourages reflection on how worship can help recalibrate one’s heart orientation towards loving God and aligning with divine values.