Lighten Up: A Reflection on Ego, Worship, and Grace
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By Ron Cowie, Senior Warden at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett, RI
Why Am I Here?
I often find myself asking: why am I at St. Peter’s? What am I hoping to gain? We all have ready-made answers, but how honest are they? Am I fully engaging with the spiritual practice here? Is it really helping me live better? In short: yes—but mostly because it hasn’t made things worse.
Connecting with Something Greater
At its core, all spiritual practice is about connecting with something larger than ourselves. Even the physical design of our church helps us do that. For example, does the ceiling need to be that high? No—but it lifts our gaze, reminding us that God is bigger than our little dramas.
The Role of Sunday Worship
Sunday worship is not the only place God shows up, but it helps us notice God in the rest of life—in the garden, the grocery run, the family dinner. An hour spent intentionally helps us carry that awareness throughout the week.
Serving Without Seeking Recognition
When we serve others at church, it’s not for reward or recognition. Still, I often catch myself wanting someone to notice. For instance, after dropping off food at the pantry, I feel the itch to mention it in conversation. God forgives my motives—but I’m still working on letting go of my need for a pat on the back.
Embracing Humor and Humility
That’s where humor comes in. My ego resists remedies that threaten it. But humor allows me to name my flaws and laugh at them, instead of being ruled by them. Confession isn’t about guilt—it’s about releasing the things that block my peace and joy.
Progress, Not Perfection
None of us do this perfectly. Spiritual growth is about progress, not perfection. And while Christian life is serious work, it doesn’t require a serious face. There’s no gold medal for being the most selfless Christian—Jesus already claimed it.
An Invitation to Lighten Up
So I invite all of us—myself included—to lighten up. Let’s laugh at our shortcomings, support one another, and create space for God to work in us. That lightness may open more doors to God’s kingdom than any striving could.
Scriptural Reflections
James 4:10: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
This verse reminds us that true elevation comes from humility.Proverbs 11:2: "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom."
A gentle nudge to reconsider what we value most in our lives.Matthew 23:12: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Life has a way of balancing things out, lifting up those who stay grounded.
Liturgical Insights
Prayer of Humble Access:
"We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies..."
This prayer, rooted in Anglican tradition, emphasizes our reliance on God's mercy.General Confession:
"Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed..."
A communal acknowledgment of our shortcomings and a plea for forgiveness.
Join Us at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea
If you're in the Narragansett area and seeking a community that embraces both reverence and light-heartedness, we welcome you to join us at St. Peter’s by-the-Sea.