A battle rages. The battle, as a matter of fact. Few are willing to even acknowledge it; even fewer will respond to the call-to-arms. I have seen it termed "the drama of the ages," an appropriate name for a conflict which has persisted for almost as long as time itself has. Its eventual conclusion is abundantly clear to most anyone willing to examine Scripture for the answer. God triumphs. The details leading up to that glorious day, however, have always been the subject of much disagreement and struggle. Perhaps the greatest struggle occurs not within the Church, but rather in the heart of every conscientious believer who has taken the time to count the cost, as Christ repeatedly commanded.
Preparation for this battle consumes my life. Of my own admission (and most regrettably), fits of laziness do come upon me from time to time, and I sometimes am so overwhelmed by the task before me that I think of giving up altogether. These times aside, I really believe the pattern of my life reflects a sincere desire to most adequately prepare for what is my purpose. This having been said...
My method of preparation seems grossly insufficient, and I'll use Paul's soldier analogy to illustrate.
As I meticulously sharpen my sword with knowledge of the Word and fortify my shield with an unwavering faith rooted there, I yet still have the same breastplate given me on my first day as a new recruit. I won't sanctify myself. I steadily know more and more about the One I fight for and never look any more like Him. Sometimes I think you would have to look very closely to even distinguish me from those in the service of the enemy.
The battle for the Truth lies everywhere, as it is attacked on all fronts. But it's never going to matter how prepared I am to battle there, be it in the halls of academia or the courtroom. If I cannot attain some level of victory within my own heart, I will never be of any use to anyone but the very one I labor to defeat.
My quest to further the Kingdom must begin with a heart bent towards holiness. Unfortunately, it seems at this juncture to be concerned only with rebellion and wickedness.
The Proprietor
Currently Reading/Listening
- Led Zeppelin 1
- Tori Amos
- The Complete Poetry and Selected Prose - John Donne
- The Gospel According to Matthew
- Understanding Matthew - Stephen Westerholm
Recently Read
- God's Indwelling Presence - James Hamilton, Jr.
- Continuity and Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments - Ed. John Feinberg
- 1066 - David Howarth
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4 comments:
Dang, complete post and everything. I haven't even had time to make one. Oh well. The next time I see you, you will probably have a mind to excommunicate me for some heresy I didn't know existed but is known to you through seminary. Oh well, there's always the methodists.
:) the battle of evermore S.K.....haha, here I am using infidel examples while you write about our dear Paul. blog on my brother and I look forward to reuniting like Samwise Gamgee and Frodo. Then we shall dance like Merry & Pippin.
"Perhaps the greatest struggle occurs not within the Church, but rather in the heart of every conscientious believer who has taken the time to count the cost, as Christ repeatedly commanded."
The Church is the spiritual make-up of every conscientious believer, my dear friend. Mistakingly, we are groomed to believe the Church is a place to gather for worship when in actuality it is a body of worshippers scattered through-out all lands - with no matter of color, language, sex, caste, or age.
We can always educate ourselves on someone, some thing, or some place through taking courses or through self-discipline in teaching one's own self, but education brings about a topical knowledge known only through the careful study of facts presented on paper (for example). When we lack diligence in seeking out answers from the Teacher we lose out on a deeper knowledge of the relationship that was intended for us all along. Studying the Word without prayer is like studying a language without practicing dictation. One will never attain mastery of the language being studied without verbal exchanges with another person who is fluent. One will only have knowledge of the structure.
Many people know the structure of a set-apart life (which is what Christians are called to be, set-apart) but they inevitably decide to choose the good things in this brief life over a life in service to God with sacrifice because they aren't taught that structure will not stand without foundation.
The seed fell in four places...the wayside, the thorny ground, the stoney ground, and the good ground.
Which are we?
I always try to visit the sites of those who read george grants's blog so that I can get the feel of who else is interested in his works ans words.
St. Silvanus
www.escapingthedarkagesofmodernity.blogspot.com
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