You made some important points here about idolizing spiritual leaders. It’s a lot of what I’ve thought, however, we rarely hear it talked about. Emphasizing choosing a church that loves the Gospels is a good recommendation.
I love this phrase, I use it all the time when communicating with my audience, too! I picked it up from Reinke's Newton on the Christian Life where Newton says "It is thus by looking to Jesus that the believer is enlightened and strengthened, and grows" (131). I often point to the story of Stephen. In the last hours of his life, he looks up to Heaven and sees Christ – as if he had been doing that all his life. And in that tumultuous moment, Stephen is like a sheep being led, and cries out for the forgiveness of his enemies.
Such a rich post! You had me full with just your reflection on "come" and "follow" in the first couple paragraphs! Life-giving.
You have a great note on the role of copying and imitation (vs. studying). One thing I've wrestled with is how do we not just have it become behavioral -- outward changes that lacks heart engagement. Although, I'd reflect, that even just behavioral can be formative at times, lately I've been leaning a bit more into getting to a place of "abiding" adoration too. A space to experience the love of God -- my love for Him -- which also leads me to a path of imitation. Because what I spend time with -- and cherish -- changes who I am. Do you see a path for all of these or is there mainly one? It seems, as Jesus does so well, it is rarely a simple answer but a variety of elements -- but all come to the Triune God ultimately and life in Him.
The section about Lewis and originality reminds me of what Thomas Oden wanted on his grave marker: “He Made No New Contribution to Theology”
Lol!
You made some important points here about idolizing spiritual leaders. It’s a lot of what I’ve thought, however, we rarely hear it talked about. Emphasizing choosing a church that loves the Gospels is a good recommendation.
I love this phrase, I use it all the time when communicating with my audience, too! I picked it up from Reinke's Newton on the Christian Life where Newton says "It is thus by looking to Jesus that the believer is enlightened and strengthened, and grows" (131). I often point to the story of Stephen. In the last hours of his life, he looks up to Heaven and sees Christ – as if he had been doing that all his life. And in that tumultuous moment, Stephen is like a sheep being led, and cries out for the forgiveness of his enemies.
Such a rich post! You had me full with just your reflection on "come" and "follow" in the first couple paragraphs! Life-giving.
You have a great note on the role of copying and imitation (vs. studying). One thing I've wrestled with is how do we not just have it become behavioral -- outward changes that lacks heart engagement. Although, I'd reflect, that even just behavioral can be formative at times, lately I've been leaning a bit more into getting to a place of "abiding" adoration too. A space to experience the love of God -- my love for Him -- which also leads me to a path of imitation. Because what I spend time with -- and cherish -- changes who I am. Do you see a path for all of these or is there mainly one? It seems, as Jesus does so well, it is rarely a simple answer but a variety of elements -- but all come to the Triune God ultimately and life in Him.
Great word. Thank you