Functional Atheism

I'm reading a book by Parker Palmer called "Let Your Life Speak." The book challenges the reader to think long and hard about what their life is trying to tell them about their vocation/life calling. Palmer argues that we spend too much time listening to the world around us for an indication of what we should do with our life. We should spend more time watching our lives, paying attention to what comes naturally to us, what brings us joy, and then align our lives and "vocation" accordingly.

Towards the end of the book, Palmer talks about some "shadow sides" to leadership. One shadow side is what he calls "Functional Atheism."

Functional Atheism - The belief that the ultimate responsibility for everything rests with us. This is the unconscious, unexamined conviction that if anything decent is going to happen here, we are the ones who must make it happen - a conviction held even by people who talk a good game about God. - Parker Palmer

It's a good thing that we want to take ownership/responsibility in order to get things done that need to get done. But, it can cross the line when we feel that the work getting done is TRULY dependent on our unique effort. It IS God working through us. He can take our talent away from us at any point. It's a form of narcissism to think otherwise.

Also, Palmer reminds every leader that "you are not the only act in town." Not only are there other "acts" out there, but some of those "acts" are better than ours. God has others in place for a reason to share the load of ministry and kingdom impact. This is a good reminder for me. Humble myself, empower others, and work hard to to my...part.

Share your thoughts if you have any...