Living the elemental life tends to be quite unique. Sometimes you just wonder if you are out there in lala land. Before this class, I knew I was called to walk a different path, but I never could put my finger on what was going on. To be completely honest, it seems like this elemental life is a blessing and a curse all in one. I find myself empowered by the Holy Spirit to do things that others don’t care about, but then again when things are coasting along I can’t be happy with cruising. Dan sums the elemental life up in his conclusion video by encourages us to not only live for the now but for the long haul.
Dan reminds us to be grounded in earth. He encourages us to stand on solid things such as scripture. This stage of the elemental life has come very naturally to me at a very young age. God has been very gracious to me by placing strong resources in front of me to keep me grounded in my journey.
Dan continues on by refreshing us in the wind stage. Wind keeps fuel in your tanks, air in your sails, and inspiration to rejuvenate you. Wind could be anything from listening to music, going to concerts, writing, reading, mentors, art, or bird watching. The elemental life cannot sustain without a steady dose of inspiration. We need these things daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. If we do not have these inspirations in our lives regularly, we will burn out.
Dan reminds us to not only stay and soak up inspiration, but to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. Fire is the empowered step in this elemental life. Fire represents “a life that is burning so hot, everything around us starts on fire.” Dan explains in Fire: The Empowered Life video that Jesus during His temptation was drawing from the Father. Dan also gives great insight to worship leaders by saying “you don’t see your leadership strength until you are being tested.” “When you are tested, it will draw out the fire inside of you.”
Lastly, Dan concludes with the importance of water. Water is the communal life. Water represents who is around you. Who speaks into your life, and whose life you speak to? This stage represents your relationships with the people that surround you. This could be your worship team, pastor, associate pastors, friends, and family. How are these relationships affecting you and how are you affecting these people. This step also includes having a close knit circle of friends and mentors to speak into your life.
The elemental life makes perfect sense when put into perspective. This elemental life needs to be put in front of you regularly to remind you what needs to be done.
Joseph H Toft II