I have to say: the 2008 Economic Stimulus Act is appealing. With $300 payments per child, enhanced small business expensing and over a billion dollars worth of rebates to qualifying taxpayers—to name just a few of the package highlights—I admit I am excited to see the money about to come my way. However, I’ve spent some time now grappling with notion of a spiritual stimulus package and what I think that would entail.

As its name suggests, the economic stimulus package is designed to stimulate the economy by reinvesting into it. I therefore think a spiritual stimulus package would aim to stimulate the soul by addressing one of its greatest dangers: spiritual complacency. I for one feel this monster creep into my innermost thoughts all too often and openly admit I could use a spiritual package with better benefits.

What would inspire me to reinvest in my soul? Hmmm… I think I would look for something like this: “New Soul Deal! Includes: large dose of inspiration, ample scheduled time slots for one-on-one ‘Jesus dates’, increased ability to hear His voice and more unfathomable bonuses for reinvestment!” Yes. That sounds good.

On the other hand...

In rereading the list of things I think I need most in my spiritual life, I’m seeing that I could create this stimulus package myself. I can stop playing the role of the victim of spiritual complacency, waiting for someone to give me what I’m looking for, and instead actively pursue the things I know would stimulate my soul. It’s just so hard to make that time for God, have the interest to read my Bible, find anything new to feel inspired by.

Lord, please help me figure out how. Garbage in, garbage out… =truth in, truth out? Well, I’ve personally learned the former saying is true, so I think I’ll start by drastically filtering what I so easily absorb as truth from the world, and seeing if this changes certain aspects in my relationship with the Lord.

What can I say? It’s a start.