Embracing Awe: The Journey of Character and Beauty

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explore the profound concept of "wow"—a word that encapsulates the awe and wonder we should strive to experience in our daily lives. This sense of wonder is not just about appreciating beauty but also about recognizing excellence and goodness in the world around us. Dallas Willard describes beauty as "goodness made manifest to the senses," and this is a call to open our eyes to the beauty and excellence that God has woven into the fabric of creation.

We are reminded of the importance of character development, as illustrated by a story of a friend who chose to respond with grace rather than anger when faced with disappointment. This choice reflects the journey we are all on—to become people of good character with God's help. The main takeaway is that the most significant thing God will gain from our lives is the person we become, shaped by our character.

The sermon draws on the wisdom of historical figures like Walt Whitman, who found immense joy in the simple beauty of nature. This appreciation for beauty and excellence is a character strength that allows us to find joy and meaning in life and connect deeply with others. We are encouraged to live with a sense of awe and wonder, to see beauty in the ordinary, and to seek experiences that challenge our worldview.

To cultivate this sense of wonder, we are given an assessment to reflect on how often we feel awe, see beauty, and seek experiences that challenge us. The experience of awe and wonder can release us from self-preoccupation and open us to the vastness of God and His creation. We are invited to take time to appreciate nature, art, and stories of moral goodness, allowing these experiences to fill us with a sense of "wow."

Key Takeaways:

- Character Over Outcome: The journey of character development is more valuable than achieving desired outcomes. Choosing to respond with grace rather than anger reflects a commitment to becoming a person of good character, which is ultimately what God desires from us. [01:18]

- Appreciation of Beauty: Recognizing beauty and excellence in the world is a character strength that brings joy and meaning to life. By opening our hearts and minds to beauty, we connect more deeply with others and find greater fulfillment. [03:24]

- Living with Awe and Wonder: Experiencing awe and wonder can release us from self-preoccupation and help us see the vastness of God. This perspective encourages us to live in alignment with God's eternal kingdom and embrace the beauty around us. [05:29]

- Seeking Challenging Experiences: Actively seeking experiences that challenge our worldview can deepen our understanding of God's vastness and our place in His creation. This openness to new perspectives enriches our spiritual journey. [06:55]

- Finding Beauty in the Ordinary: Taking time to appreciate the beauty in nature, art, and stories of moral goodness can fill us with a sense of "wow." These experiences remind us of God's presence and the goodness inherent in His creation. [09:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - The Power of "Wow"
- [00:50] - Journey of Character
- [01:41] - Living in Wonder and Awe
- [02:11] - Walt Whitman's Joy in Nature
- [03:07] - Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
- [04:26] - Self-Assessment of Awe
- [05:15] - Awe and Self-Preoccupation
- [05:45] - Ecclesiastes and Beauty
- [06:22] - Vastness of God
- [07:11] - Aligning with God's Kingdom
- [08:02] - Beauty in Nature and Art
- [09:08] - Experiencing Art and Music
- [09:57] - Stories of Moral Goodness
- [10:42] - Embracing the Beauty Around Us
- [11:27] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
2. Psalm 27:4
3. Exodus 3:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, what does the passage say about the timing of events in life? How does this relate to the concept of beauty mentioned in the sermon? [05:45]

2. According to Psalm 27:4, what is David's primary desire, and how does it relate to the theme of beauty and awe discussed in the sermon? [08:21]

3. How does the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-4 illustrate the importance of taking time to notice and reflect on moments of wonder? [09:57]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea of responding with grace rather than anger, and how does this reflect character development? [01:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "wow" as described in the sermon encourage believers to live with a sense of awe and wonder? What impact might this have on their spiritual journey? [00:22]

2. In what ways does recognizing beauty and excellence in the world serve as a character strength, according to the sermon? How might this influence one's relationships with others? [03:07]

3. How does the experience of awe and wonder help release individuals from self-preoccupation, as mentioned in the sermon? What might be the spiritual implications of this release? [05:29]

4. How does seeking experiences that challenge one's worldview contribute to a deeper understanding of God's vastness and one's place in His creation? [06:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the choice to respond with grace or anger. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align with the character development discussed in the sermon? [01:18]

2. Identify a moment in your daily life where you felt a sense of "wow." How can you cultivate more of these moments to enhance your appreciation of beauty and excellence? [00:22]

3. Consider a time when you were too busy to notice something beautiful or awe-inspiring. What practical steps can you take to slow down and appreciate these moments more fully? [09:57]

4. Think about a challenging experience that shifted your perspective. How did it deepen your understanding of God and His creation? How can you seek out more of these experiences? [06:55]

5. Choose one aspect of nature, art, or a story of moral goodness that you find particularly beautiful. How can you incorporate this appreciation into your spiritual practice this week? [09:08]

6. Reflect on a person in your life who embodies the character strength of recognizing beauty and excellence. What can you learn from their example, and how might you apply it to your own life? [03:07]

7. How can you intentionally create space in your life to experience awe and wonder, and what impact do you hope this will have on your relationship with God and others? [05:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Character Over Outcome
In our journey of faith, the development of our character is more valuable than the outcomes we achieve. This is a call to prioritize the cultivation of virtues such as grace, patience, and kindness over the pursuit of success or personal gain. When faced with challenges or disappointments, choosing to respond with grace rather than anger reflects a commitment to becoming a person of good character. This transformation is what God desires from us, as it aligns us with His will and purpose. The story of a friend who chose grace over anger serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our character can have on our lives and those around us. [01:18]

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you reacted with frustration or anger. How might you respond differently next time to reflect the character of Christ?


Day 2: Appreciation of Beauty
Recognizing beauty and excellence in the world is a strength that brings joy and meaning to life. This appreciation allows us to connect more deeply with others and find fulfillment in the everyday moments. Beauty, as Dallas Willard describes, is "goodness made manifest to the senses," and it calls us to open our eyes to the wonders of creation. By cultivating an awareness of beauty, we can experience the joy that comes from seeing God's handiwork in the world around us. This perspective enriches our lives and deepens our relationships with others. [03:24]

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment today to notice something beautiful in your surroundings. How does this beauty reflect God's goodness and creativity?


Day 3: Living with Awe and Wonder
Experiencing awe and wonder can release us from self-preoccupation and help us see the vastness of God. This perspective encourages us to live in alignment with God's eternal kingdom and embrace the beauty around us. Awe and wonder open our hearts to the divine and allow us to experience life with a sense of reverence and gratitude. By living with this mindset, we can find joy in the ordinary and see the extraordinary in the everyday. This approach to life invites us to be present and attentive to the ways God is at work in the world. [05:29]

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt a sense of awe. How can you cultivate more moments of wonder in your daily life?


Day 4: Seeking Challenging Experiences
Actively seeking experiences that challenge our worldview can deepen our understanding of God's vastness and our place in His creation. This openness to new perspectives enriches our spiritual journey and helps us grow in our faith. By stepping outside of our comfort zones, we can gain a greater appreciation for the diversity and complexity of God's creation. These experiences can also help us develop empathy and compassion for others, as we learn to see the world through different lenses. Embracing challenges with a spirit of curiosity and humility can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. [06:55]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you feel comfortable and unchallenged. What is one step you can take to seek a new experience that might expand your understanding of God and His creation?


Day 5: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary
Taking time to appreciate the beauty in nature, art, and stories of moral goodness can fill us with a sense of "wow." These experiences remind us of God's presence and the goodness inherent in His creation. By finding beauty in the ordinary, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and wonder. This practice encourages us to slow down and be present, allowing us to see the divine in the everyday. Whether it's a breathtaking sunset, a moving piece of music, or an inspiring story, these moments of beauty can draw us closer to God and deepen our faith. [09:08]

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a routine part of your day that you often overlook. How can you intentionally seek out and appreciate the beauty in this ordinary moment today?

Quotes


I was talking to a friend yesterday who was telling me about somebody who is wanting to grow in character that's what that's the journey we're on together and he had somebody working on a project for him and that person had made a mistake and he was disappointed his initial response was to want to react in anger and be punitive towards this other person out of his emotions and then he had the thought I I want to have a good character I would rather have with God's help a good character than a good outcome than to get my own way and it caused him to respond to this person in a completely different way than he would have otherwise and when I heard that story I felt wow that's the kind of person I want to be that's the kind of Journey that I want to be on because I know I know I know the main thing God will get out of my life is the person I become and that's primarily the character that I form with God's help [00:55:58]

Appreciation of beauty and Excellence refers to the ability to find recognize take pleasure in the existence of goodness in the physical and social worlds a person high on this strength frequently feels on related emotions including admiration Wonder elevation wow for example while walking in the woods or in a city or reading novels or newspapers while learning about people's lives or watching sports or movies a person low on the strength goes about daily life as if wearing blinders you ever do that wearing blinders to that which is beautiful and moving taking little pleasure in the scenes that pass by or in the strengths talents virtues and accomplishments of others we presume that people whose minds and hearts are open to beauty and Excellence find more joy in daily life and more meaning in their own lives and more ways to connect deeply with others [03:11:36]

I want to give you a little assessment device these are six items and they're from a researcher named shiona you can if you want to give a response from one to seven uh strongly I strongly agree or strongly disagree for each one of them number one I often feel awe number two I see beauty all around me even in this little net that's trying to get into my eye number three I feel Wonder almost every day very striking there's a um uh a way of looking at people's sense of self and it involves a drawing of yourself with the sun in that picture and when people have experienced awe and wonder they tend to draw a small self they have a little self um there's something about the experience of awe and wonder that releases me from a sense of self-preoccupation [04:29:04]

It's a beautiful passage in the Bible in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes there's a time for every season under Heaven There is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing there is a time to laugh there's a time to weep there's a time to sow there's a time to reap and then in verse 11 this wonderful statement about God he has made all things beautiful in their times God is a God who loves beauty Beauty Dallas Willard says is goodness made manifest to the senses [05:38:80]

A researcher Jonathan height says that our sense of law often has two results one of them is we experience a sense of vastness in the object that produces awe in US and of course God is supremely that God is eternal God Has No Limit God is present everywhere there is nothing as vast as God but then the other thing that we experience when we have a sense of God is is the challenge of accommodating ourselves to this we'll have this sense when we experience awe or wonder in a tremendous sight or when we're looking at something of great skill it blows my mind and of course Jesus's basic message brings both of these things the kingdom of God has come near now that is the Eternal uh Kingdom that is vast on a scale like nothing else therefore repent accommodate yourself live in alignment with this Kingdom [06:22:80]

I think about when Moses saw the burning bush in Exodus and his response was I must turn aside and consider this thing and often I'm too busy to turn aside and I do not reflect on the burning bush and then in addition to Nature and addition to Art consider stories of moral goodness I think about a friend of mine who is often quite busy in his work but said what he loves doing most of all is when he goes to the prison and teaches men who are there because they are so hungry to learn and thinking about somebody who has many other things to do that could feed his ego or build his resume but what he loves is to go to a prison and to be with people who are really hungry to learn and devote himself to helping them is an inspirational thing to me [09:46:20]

Look at the world that God has made experience the beauty that is present in art and music and movies in stories and consider the moral Beauty the goodness of people who are around you wow change starts today [10:47:34]

God is a God who loves beauty Beauty Dallas Willard says is goodness made manifest to the senses change is coming today you're going to change for better or worse so let's make it better and the word for today is wow you might say it right now wow and lamott wrote a book about three little prayers I think the words were thanks that's a good prayer to pray and help and God knows I pray that one a lot but the other word is wow we're looking at today at what is sometimes called uh appreciation of beauty and Excellence a sense of wonder a sense of awe to say wow [00:00:29]

His favorite activity was to stroll Outdoors by himself admiring trees flowers the sky the shifting light of day listening to birds and crickets other natural sounds it was evident that these things gave him a pleasure far beyond what they give to Ordinary People until I knew the man it had not occurred to me that anyone could derive so much absolute happiness from these things as he did perhaps indeed no man ever lived who likes so many things and dislikes so few as Walt Whitman all natural objects seem to have a charm for him all sights and sounds seem to please him he appeared to like and I believe he did like all the men and women and children that he saw [02:15:13]

And of course Jesus in his day experienced the beauty of Nature and would often teach from it from the beauty of the Lilies of the Field and no human attempts at dress or anything else can come close to just the way that God dresses up a single flower in the field and if he treats the flowers that way what about you um in Psalm 27 verse 4 David has a remarkable request request he says one thing I have asked the Lord this only do I seek that I may dwell in your house all the days of my life and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord I never deeply thought before not just to gaze upon God is beauty God is goodness and he reveals himself to us in our experiences of awe and wonder that are available to you today as long as you just don't go through life with blinders on gotta get this task done mostly I'm preoccupied with me no no no today be filled with a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness at the Eternal stretch of life and God that lies before us [07:47:18]

Now you might want to do that by taking a walk in nature and just contemplating for a little while a tree or a leaf or sun and Shadow on the Earth and what a remarkable sense of beauty that that creates or you might want to experience art you might want to look at a painting or listen to a piece of music and be lost in Wonder at the beauty of it we naturally crave Beauty and we cannot get enough of it often we don't experience Wonder because we're just too busy and preoccupied [09:08:64]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?