Elemental Spirituality

Scientists have identified 118 elements that make up all matter.  The ancients had it easy: they believed there were only four: earth, fire, wind, and water.  Different combinations of these elements, they thought, compose everything that exists.  And because they didn’t separate the studies of science and religious belief, as we tend to do today, their relationship with God, described best by considering them as aspects of these four basic building blocks of creation.  Although our understanding of the physical world has developed far beyond that of these people from the past, we can continue to benefit from the wisdom they developed by considering God’s work through the four elements. 

EARTH: We still talk about being well “grounded,” or having a stable basis for our lives and what we do.  We call someone “down to earth” if they are well-connected with the practical aspects of life.  In the Bible, the psalmist praises God by declaring, “My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord” (Psalm 26:12).  On the other hand, as he puts it, “You place [the wicked] on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin” (Psalm 73:18).

How does God enable you to remain grounded in the everyday aspects of your life?

FIRE: We describe someone as being “on fire” when they are doing an exceptional, amazing job at whatever task they are doing.  The “fire” of God captures, electrifies, and excites us.  In Scripture, God used fire to speak to his people (Exodus 3:2) and guide them (Exodus 13:21).  When the Lord’s very Spirit came upon his people as “tongues of fire” on Pentecost, they were so filled with his power that in day the church grew from 120 people to over 3,000!

When has God filled you with the “fire” of his presence and power?

WIND: When life has become stagnant and empty, it’s good to have a “breath of fresh air.”  Like the wind, God brings newness and life in powerful but unseen ways.  As Jesus once said, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8)

How has God brought fresh new life to you, in powerful and unseen ways?

WATER: Just as water nourishes the thirsty ground, God’s presence rejuvenates us and  brings us to life.  The Bible ends with a description of the “river of the water of life”  that brings healing and nourishment (Revelation 22:1-2).  Just as water washes away dirt and stains, God removes all our guilt and shame.  The sacrament of baptism expresses this cleansing power in our lives, as the author of Hebrews encourages us to “draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

What “dryness” in your life can God refresh?  What “stain” can he wash away?