Praxis...

The late Dr. Ray S. Anderson writes in his book The Soul of Ministry about praxis as an action of the Spirit of God.

He starts with a definition of poiesis, "an action [which] produces a result, like a carpenter constructing a cabinet..." (p26) He goes on to state, "The end product completes the action regardless of what the future use may be of the product. This future use or purpose...called a telos (the "ultimate purpose" - RM), does not enter into the proces of making something..." (p26)

The other action he defines is praxis. This, Anderson says, "goes beyond merely producing a product according to a design." (p27) He states,

"With praxis, the telos, or ultimate purpose and value of an action, becomes part of the action. While the design serves to orient the action toward its goal, the ultimate purpose, or telos, informs the action so as to correct the design, if necessary, in order to realize the ultimate purpose. One involved in praxis, therefore, is not only accountable to implement the design with skill, but to discover the telos through discernment." (p27)

Thus, our lives, lived under the influence of the Holy Spirit, become praxis in the hands of God. The telos of our lives is part of the action. This can be seen in the "Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi," asking God to "make us an instrument of [His] peace."

Note what Anderson says again: "One involved in praxis, therfore is not only accountable to implement the design with skill, but to discover the telos through discernment." (p27) We have a responsibility, a part to play, in the writing of our lives. We are to discover, via discernment by the Holy Spirit, the ultimate purpose, and implement that into our lives with skill!

This is not a half-baked idea - this is a purposeful design from a purposeful Creator. And, if we get off the path, it is comforting to know "the ultimate purpose...informs the action so as to correct the design, if necessary, in order to realize the ultimate purpose." (p27)

May we engage and infuse the telos of our lives into our everyday actions.

Anderson, Ray S. The Soul of Ministry: Forming Leaders for God's People.