Evelyn Underhill: Renewed Vitality

Yet, the title deliberately chosen for this book—that of "Practical" Mysticism—means nothing if the attitude and the discipline which it recommends be adapted to fair weather alone: if the principles for which it stands break down when subjected to the pressure of events, and cannot be reconciled with the sterner duties of the national life. To accept this position is to reduce mysticism to the status of a spiritual plaything.

On the contrary, if the experiences on which it is based have indeed the transcendent value for humanity which the mystics claim for them—if they reveal to us a world of higher truth and greater reality than the world of concrete happenings in which we seem to be immersed—then that value is increased rather than lessened when confronted by the overwhelming disharmonies and sufferings of the present time.

It is significant that many of these experiences are reported to us from periods of war and distress: that the stronger the forces of destruction appeared, the more intense grew the spiritual vision which opposed them. We learn from these records that the mystical consciousness has the power of lifting those who possess it to a plane of reality which no struggle, no cruelty, can disturb: of conferring a certitude which no catastrophe can wreck.

Yet it does not wrap its initiates in a selfish and otherworldly calm, isolate them from the pain and effort of the common life. Rather, it gives them renewed vitality; administering to the human spirit not—as some suppose—a soothing draught, but the most powerful of stimulants."

Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) in Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People (London: J.M. Dent & Sons, LTD, 1914) vii-ix.

This week I invite you to experience Practical Mysticism. It will bring renewed vitality to your life and your Christian faith. Download this classic work freely here.

We will explore a definition of practical mysticism tomorrow. Today, we ponder what it isn’t and the related implications. Practical Mysticism is not a spiritual plaything.

Most treat their faith as a spiritual plaything. It goes like this. They want to get good grades or a great job, so they pray. They want a house or a car, so they pray. They want… See the pattern?

They toy with the mystical to get the physical. Don’t let that be you. God invites us to intimate communion. Too often, we settle for gifts from Him when He wants to give us Himself.

What we lose in the exchange is the oneness with the most powerful of stimulants who can renew our vitality in matchless ways. This includes our generosity.

People ask me where I get my boundless energy for living, giving, serving, and loving. It comes not from food or rest. It stems from the most powerful of stimulants. Before tapping it, let’s start the week with prayer.

Father in heaven, forgive me for treating you as a spiritual plaything. Renew the vitality of my faith this week by helping me connect with you. Hear my prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.