Gay Spirituality

I’ve often experienced people in the neo-pagan community that feel they’re doing service by making sacrifices to their gods and goddesses.  I do believe in sacrifice and service but I think the costs need to be weighed.  For example, I’ve met people that really can barely keep a roof over their heads because instead of working, they’ve decided to quit their jobs to be “of service to the gods”.  I’ve also seen neo-pagans buying expensive offerings for the gods when they’re living paycheck to paycheck.  While I think its commendable for anyone to take their priestly role that seriously, I question the wisdom of such rash moves.

I believe that we need to make sure our own basic needs are met before we can truly be of service to the gods.  By doing what we need to do, we can make sure our bodies are strong and nourished and we have the resources to successfully minister to our community.   I believe the gods accept whatever we offer them, if we offer it with the right intention.  Those of us that cannot afford lavish offerings for the gods can show their service by giving of themselves.  For example, volunteer to clean up a public park, plant a tree, keep a houseplant.  All of these things can be considered an act of service.  If done with the intention of offering the service to the gods, I believe they are accepted by the gods.   Let’s face it, sometimes the intent is to make a big show of the sacrifice or the offering.  I don’t believe that’s a pure intent and not one that the gods are likely to see as favorable.  It’s been my experience that the simpler and more heart felt the offering, the more the person making the offering gets out of it.

I guess really my point here is, take care of yourself first.  Make sure you have a roof over your head and food on table.  Then give of yourself to the gods through service to your community.  That way, the person making the offering benefits, the community benefits and the gods are remembered.  In my opinion, that’s the way it should be.