ur flesh is so easy to feed. Reformed theology, puritan teachings or the theology of our 17th century forefathers can become rations to our wicked flesh. I must confess that I have made theology an idol in my life. I fed my flesh not my soul. I praise God that He made me realize my idolatrous intent while I was studying His Word.
The Truth is extremely important. It is necessary to correctly exegete a text to fully expound a Biblical Truth. It is also essential to elaborate the doctrinal basis of salvation and regeneration. However, our walk with God should not be restricted to such. As Paul Washer says, “The Truth is not an end. It is a means to a greater end.”
So often I cry out for revival, the exhortation of the fullness God’s Truth and the advancement of His Kingdom. I have forgotten the purpose of all of these. I have focused on God’s work, not Him.
Dear friends, it is important to be totally obedient and passionate for the things of God. It is also a wonderful thing to radically adhere to Biblical standards and be watchful in our narrow journey, but this is not the end. Christianity is not just about doing the right thing. Christianity is not just about obedience, correct exegesis or morality. It is about being with God, walking with Him, experiencing Him, dwelling in His presence, worshiping Him and loving Him with all our hearts.
To be passionate to the things of God is wonderful but are we passionate for Him? To be honest, I was more passionate for revival than God. When was the last time we just sat beside Him alone while admiring His greatness?
It is true that God’s glory is the most important thing but let us not forget His unconditional love for mankind. He just loves us so much. Jesus died on the Cross not only for the glory of the Father but also because He loves men. An immature reformed writer would probably say at this moment: “That’s not doctrinally sound. He just died for the elect!”. Dear friend, it is true that Christ paid the sins of His elect alone, however, we cannot deny the fact that He loves men. Are we so dull that theology has twisted our minds instead of enriching our hearts?
I can’t help but weep over my sin but at the same time rejoice whenever I remember the words of our great Jesus while He was being crucified: “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.” It is not wrong to despise cultural, humanistic Christianity because it does not esteem the work of Christ. However, it is also important to understand that hatred for sin, separation from the world and the pursuit of Truth are simply means to a greater end. We empty our hands not only for the sake of purity but also to hold unto Him even more. To know Him doesn’t just mean to get the right data about Him. To know Him means to develop an intimate, Spirit-empowered relationship with Him. It is true that God doesn’t need us or our service but it is not right to make this an excuse to separate ourselves from Him and confine Christian living in a systemic box of morality and correct exegesis.
In conclusion, God wants our hearts. He wants our love all to Himself. Our obedience should be based on our love and passion for Him, not for the sake of doing the right thing. Our journey to God is a journey. As attractive and enticing theology might be, it is not the end. We haven’t even seen a fraction of God’s glory. I don’t even think we could ever contain His greatness in our puny minds. Nevertheless, let us sprint with a passion and love not only for the Truth, but for God Himself.




Jm I didn't put any tags.. I don't know what category should I put it under.. but its about humble orthodoxy although I didn't mention it.. to tell you the truth, humble orthodoxy bothers me because the Truth does not just result to humility but just wanting Him more than anything else and just falling on your knees without any care, right? but i can find not better term than humble orthodoxy and besides I know and understand that the connotative meaning of "Humble Orthodoxy" is not just limited to "humility". Reminder that I think you know already but I'll mention it anyway for our readers: humble orthodoxy can also destroy us if we confine humble orthodoxy into virtue.. man.. exactly how hungry is our flesh that it has to eat even the things that glorify God.. grrr hehe
Hi Mike, I'm kinda in a hurry. So I'll leave you with this <a HRE="http://newattitude.org/articles/11_questions_with_justin_taylor">link.It greatly helped me in my study for humble orthodoxy.God bless.
i cant click the link..
oh.. found a link in new attitude that defines humble orthodoxy.. i think it was me who had a narrow idea about humble orthodoxy hehe i thought it was just being humble and committed to the Truth of God (most of the articles I read were about arrogance vs humility and love vs "i'm right and more doctrinally sound" so this was what I thought).. i didn't know it also means to live/represent the Truth; not redefining it but just living it as a means to the greater End that has no end
Yup! You got it bes! In it simplicity it also has it's complexities as expressed to what humble orthodoxy actually encompasses.Sorry bout the link BTW.Just got home.Here it is: (Justin Taylor is a good read)http://newattitude.org/articles/11_questions_with_justin_taylorTomorrow I have a meeting with Pastor Dennis Sy. Pray for me.:)