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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Holiness
It's often the case that volunteers work harder at a particular job than those who work out of obligation. In much the same way, it's often true that Christians who focus only on the love of God, without a legalistic code of rules, live more pure, morally upright, holy lives than anyone else--and do so with great joy. Why is this?
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2 comments:
Consider those who are overly concerned with checking off rule "boxes" to be sure they're being a "correct" Christian - do they have their eyes and hearts on God...or is it on living their perception of the Christian Life?
Perhaps, we forget with all the "noise" of our world -- it's about God, not about us. It's not about interpretation of the rules, it's not about bragging that we've followed the rules, we don't get an A+ on some phantom report card for wearing a skirt every day of our lives. It's not about checking to see who is following the rules and who is not...it's about God! It's about our relationship with God and the unphathomable love He showers us with.
I think it's overwhelming when a new Christian reads the Bible the first time through...I remember thinking how will I ever remember everything I'm "supposed" to do - but then there comes a point and time when it's just naturally no longer about the rules, but rather it's a want - almost a desperate need - to have the relationship with God that continues to grow and grow, which (sometimes unknowlingly to the person) leads that person to holiness.
Thinking about the fundamentalist type Christians you talked about in your sermon yesterday, perhaps their extreme measures in their minds are not to check a box, but rather to show the world their devotion - to separate themselves from the world. I'm not saying it's right or wrong because I don't know enough about it, but maybe their intent is not that of legalism but rather honor toward God??? Just a thought to kick around...does anyone know firsthand?
Chris,
It's hard to say it any better than the words in your post.
Also, I think you're right. There are likely many fundamentalist (we perceive as very legalistic) Christians who are so legalistic because they believe doing so honors God. Certainly no one can judge their hearts.
But I do think, for the most part, there is something inherent in the way they view the Bible that keeps them from getting the most out of the Bible--from seeing it, and seeing God, for what it/He really is. Maybe some people are so afraid of not abiding by the rules of the Bible, they're unable to fathom the rich depths of it that go beyond rules.
I must add: though I made the statement that the fundamentalist and the liberal perspectives are both wrong, I have much more respect for the fundamentalists. Their flaw is based in fear (and perhaps misguided reverence), the liberals' flaw is based in pride (and perhaps laziness) and that is much, much worse.
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