Can you overdose on religion/spirituality?

Question

I think the best way to live life is to not be on one extreme or the other. In other words, moderation is the key. We shouldn't abuse food, drugs, drink, etc. Can you, therefore, spend too much time on your spiritual growth? Can there be an argument that by spending so much time on spiritual growth other areas in your life suffer, like family, job, etc?

While you can incorporate your family in on your religious/spiritual activities.....it's still a personal journey. Thoughts?

Answer 1

While God is to be first in your life, you can do that and still take care of everything else by doing everything for the glory of God. God desires us to take care of each other and especially our families. By doing that, you are honoring God with each act.

Answer 2

I wouldn't consider the comparison by overdose. However, there is a time and place for everything. A person can live their life using the values taught in the Bible. The New Testament holds the majority of the values Christians live by. I don't believe someone can become too enlightened. You can't shove the teachings of the Bible down people's throats. It's like you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. If your spirituality interferes with your work, famly, etc. you are going about it the wrong way. Moderation is the key. I hope I am not misleading anyone. These are a couple of things that I always try to keep in mind. First, God's will be done. I believe that God has a purpose for my life and that it involves other people. Second, I have to learn the difference between my will and God's will. You could ask yourself, Is it God's will for me to go to work and take care of my family today? Some things you will find that you and God have similar goals in mind. Another thing to remember is that to grow spiritually you should make use of the gifts and talents you are given. Such as the ability to forgive people when they do and say wrong things to you. A bird is born with wings and eventually grows feathers, but it cannot fly until it makes use of it's gift. I think it is interesting that birds made us want to fly and the only thing they did was lead by example. I hope someone understands the meaning I am trying to get to here.

Answer 3

Yes. If you do not find time for anything else then you are missing the purpose of your life. You can not be truly spiritual if you ignore everything that it going on around you. The wisest man king Solomon wrote "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". Even Jesus Christ the son of God took time out. I believe that you must have personal time to seek the face of God, but this must not be the only purpose of your life. Many people who think they are spiritual will not be welcome in the Kingdom by Christ when He return, because they spent all their time being Spiritual. James wrote, pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. This is true religion/spirituality. Any things else is vain (overdose) religion/spirituality.

Answer 4

I do believe that you can spend alot of time in theory and not enough time in application... does that equate to overdose? I dunno...

Can that studying compromise other areas, yes and no. I believe it depends on the purpose of your life. As a wife of a man called to Pastoralship, I understand (and fully accept without question) that there are certain things that are not a part of "normal layman's" lives. Our home is always open to those in need, the phone can and will ring at off hours in the night, alot of times in encouraging others, the very thing I studied in my bible time is the same thing that I'm encourging another person about. Does those things take away from my family, job, etc... probably. Is it enough to where I see a negative affect on my job or children? Nope.

The spiritual fight I fight because of my ministerial call is probably greater than some others "... unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." Lk. 12:48 Therefore, there are things that I will need to do to protect my family and myself from the attack of the Enemy, and that may take some time away from doing things that I could do (i.e. do I spend more time studying my bible or praying vs. taking my teenager to do "girl things", fasting on behalf of another person needs vs. indulging in a meal cooked by my husband or kids)

As a parent, I can only guide my children in what is right, according to the Bible, and allow them to make their own choices. Other times, it's just personal preference. At one time I could listen to any rap song that came on the radio, now at the ripe old age of 35+ (just a joke!) I cant STAND most of the music that comes on the radio. What I would be "singing" or repeating" is just flat out wrong to say to another person (male or female) and I don't want it coming out of my mouth.

Answer 5

You cannot overdose on spiritualtiy.Religion encorporates all life matters just as a spiritual person may encorporate religion into all life matters and situations.For example,Christianity is about Our Lord and family....other areas in your life will not suffer because religion is a part of your daily life and routine,so whatever you do it is there with you.

Answer 6

Yes, this is the medical condition known as TMJ... Too Much Jesus.
Symptoms of those affected usually amount to everything they say regardless of topic has to have a religious reference.

Answer 7

You cannot overdose on Jesus. There is a certain kind of spiritual high you get from being a Christian that is better than any high you get from drugs. Drugs fry your brain, and Jesus doesnt'.

Answer 8

Ever hear the old sayiny "too heavnely minded for any earthly good". It is possible. But I think it rare. Most people have the other problem-not enough.

Answer 9

Yes, when someone indulge too much time in attending rituals and activities to such extent that he neglects to attend to his hygiene, nutrition and other mundane requirement. Thus, you sometimes see monks with long beards and dirty clothes.

Answer 10

i definitly agree with you!...it would make life a little more peaceful...such example of extremism can be seen in REAL life...muslim extremists is one of the popular subjects..but we also have extreme christians..who try to incoorperate God's word to political detail...in my opinion...addiction is related to self fullfilment...and it's pretty thoughtless once u see their true motives..good question btw :)