As I was reading Challie's blog this morning: http://www.challies.com/archives/christian-living/the-quiet-time-performance.php
I had these thoughts:
In the Discipline of Grace, Bridges said this: “An attitude of performance reveals an all-too-common misconception of the Christian life: the thinking that, although we are saved by grace, we earn or forfeit God’s blessings in our daily lives by our performance.”
But then one of Edwards’ resolutions is #63: On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
Are these two different viewpoints? Honestly, I lean towards Edwards, because I jump back to Paul’s repeated use of competition or disciplining the body/mind for God’s glory. Is not that having an attitude of performance? I don’t think that my eternal blessing is based on it, but I would assume that the more I condition my body/mind in all things to glorify God that I would be more blessed (not with material things, but with the fruit of the spirit, spiritual blessings). Because isn’t that part of Mark 12:30 in loving God with all that I am, as I grow (through blessings and trials), I (and God) replace my desires with holier desires and so I become more fulfilled since my soul truly seeks Him, and He can be my only true peace and joy? I feel if you have strong grasp on not being able to earn your salvation, but once you are completely assured, you are commanded to seek God above all else, be holy as He is holy, be perfect as He is perfect, that is a competitive-type mindset. I know you and I have probably heard bunches of sermons (both expository and topical) on running the race, and the too-often spoke of singular vision of athletes or warriors. I know we must make sure our drives are true scriptural drives, not legalistic ones, but in reality since there are levels of honor in heaven, and since all of our works will be put to the fire and only the holy ones will remain, isn’t that a call to a performance mindset? I know we can in no way project or judge another in this type of area, but for our own mindset towards our spiritual growth, aren’t we to be zealous and live with fervor for good works?
No comments:
Post a Comment