There has been quite a lot of discussion lately, amongst my friends and acquaintances, as to how there seems to be a great deal of difference between what the Bible teaches and the way many Christians behave. For example, if Jesus told us to love, why is there so much hatefulness? If Jesus told us not to judge, why the emphasis on passing judgment? If Jesus told us not to worry, why are so many stressed out? Etc.
Oswald Chambers, in "My Utmost for His Highest," provides an answer to this question. He uses the scripture reference of John 20:11-18. Jesus has just risen from death, and when he encounters his follower Mary, she does not immediately recognize him. Here is what Chambers says:
"It is possible to know all about doctrine and still not know Jesus. A person's soul is in grave danger when the knowledge of doctrine surpasses Jesus, avoiding intimate touch with Him. Why was Mary weeping? Doctrine meant no more to her than the grass under her feet. In fact, any Pharisee could have made a fool of Mary doctrinally, but one thing they could never ridicule was the fact that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (see Luke 8:2); yet His blessings were nothing to her in comparison with knowing Jesus Himself. '. . . Jesus said to her, "Mary!" ' Once He called Mary by her name she immediately knew that she had a personal history with the One who spoke."
It is not only sad, but detrimental to God's kingdom, when those who claim to believe in Jesus do not follow in his footsteps. Having knowledge of scripture is not the same as knowing Jesus, remembering the demons we have overcome through his grace, recognizing him in others and realizing what he is calling us to do . . . namely, minister life, not criticism and death, to those around us.
II Corinthians 3:4-6 says it well, "Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Knowing doctrine, and twisting it around to wound others, is never an acceptable substitute for having a relationship with Jesus and operating according to the wisdom imparted through his Spirit.
Sister Terry, Sunday after Sunday, you just keep hitting the ball out of the ball park. And thanks for introducing me to Oswald Chambers. I just learned that he died almost one hundred years ago (1917). I found a website of his daily readings at www.myutmost.org and added the book version of "My Utmost for His Highest" to my Amazon.com wish list. About two years ago, I tried to find a good WWJD bracelet here in town but didn't have any luck finding an adult-sized one. You know that was a great idea (WWJD) that never should have turned into a fad. Almost seems symptomatic of what Oswald Chambers was and you are now talking about.
ReplyDeleteI continue to be amazed with the relevance of the writings of Oswald Chambers (especially after all this time). I've read "My Utmost..." as my daily devotional for several years now, and it's always fresh and inspirational. He is definitely one of my heroes. (Speaking of my heroes, are you familiar with Jim Wallis of "Sojourners" magazine?)
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree about the WWJD "movement." One of the many really great ideas that has been ruined by commercialization/consumerism!
(Hope you noticed my post regarding your comment on my blog from last week....)