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a few thoughts
Tommy Hopper @ Oct 3, 2007 09:09 AM
Hi everyone. Here are a few thoughts I have been pondering. First a little background.
I have experienced two different types of churches in my 30 years of church participation. The one of my youth and early ministerial career was one which emphasized the pursuit and involvement in some spiritual practices, ie. worship attendance, Bible study, evangelism and service, but very little emphasis on the personal relationship with God other than salvation.
The church of my later years focused more on the relational side of life with Jesus and less on spiritual practice. This fit me quite well because I found myself heavily involved in the pursuit of this relationship. I experienced confession to God and forgiveness from God in such a powerful way that what I sought was relational development. I still read my Bible, prayed, served etc., but with less intensity than in my past.
OK, here is what I have been thinking about….
1. Relationship with God is available to all unconditionally. It is offered to man by God through Jesus and requires only that one receive this gift for the relationship with God to begin.
2. Intentional Christ-like pursuits are the framework for a relationship with Jesus to flourish. This type of faith is active and requires effort! Too often we followers of Christ are passive, expecting for the faith to grow while we casually involve ourselves. Willing to say we love God and others, yet spending our effort and resources on our own personal desires with little thought to what a follower of Jesus might focus on.
3. The practice of spiritual disciplines enhances the God/man relationship. Serious involvement in prayer, worship, Bible reading, meditation, fasting, service, etc., sensitizes one to God and His people and His work. This sensitizing process enhances the man-to-God and man-to-man relationships.
4. A variety of disciplines should be practiced to help one grow in spiritual maturity. To focus on only one area is to “overdevelop” skills, emotions and expectations of others in that area. As an example, one who focuses only on Bible reading might “fall in love” with knowledge and fail to understand the emotion that can come from worship. Another pitfall a person might incur is the expectation of others to place the same importance on Bible reading as they do. This can lead to criticism and arrogance. A more balanced practice of spiritual disciplines allows one to mature in faith in many ways.
5. Because I am a leader in a fellowship I am keenly aware of the leadership by example. I am also aware of the practice of encouraging others to do what one is not practicing themselves. So, my feelings are that church leaders must be personally involved in practicing spiritual disciplines. By doing this one can lead by encouragement and example. It seems to me that if we leaders practice what we preach, then churches will experience spiritual growth followed by numerical growth.
Comments
Woah...your last 2 sermons tie into this in a profound way....Point #2 described me to a "T" these last few years, with a heart that wanted a deeper relationship with Him but my actions continuing to be "passive" as you described. Expecting my faith to grow stronger, by the class I took with Pat, my attempts at prayer, in all honesty, by just giving God the scraps left over in my life.
Yet these last 2 weeks as I have pursued Him, and truly tithed the better parts of my day to Him and He has met me more than halfway...it has made worship, study and prayer bitter-sweet...bitter in realizing that I have selfishly kept the best for myself these last 4 years (reading, watching TV, working on houses, corresponding with my family all over the world) and wasted such valuable time that i could have enjoyed with Him. Sweet as I have abandoned myself to Him once again, I have gotten to experience how much He loves me, watch Him pull me out of mess after mess, and trade my fears for excitement.
You hit it on the nose last week when you said we are like pencils...with many of us writing our lives with the eraser end...my problem was as I was so broken, I doubted He could use this tiny stub of a pencil to write anything. Then He showed me that it isn't the instrument---but He who uses it---after that sermon, I read in my Streams in the Desert Devotional: "The main question is the Mastery of Him who Uses the Instrument....it would be a poor pencil which Raphael could not create a masterpiece---the Power of the Spirit behind the least gifted one, can work to Glorious issues---let me put myself wholly at God's service, whatever I may be; greatness is NOT required, but meetness for the Masters use."
And this week when you talked about searching after God's heart in prayer...your example of being open in the spirit to what God has to say, has spurred me on to strive for that closeness. Most of all that closeness on a daily basis, not when hard times are coming or I have needs, but to ask for a yearning to know Him as well as I know my best friends, so that I may recognize His gentle nudgings. Keep on doing what you are doing...it's helping me...does everyone get to read this or just you? Still know less than you do about this blog stuff... God Bless, anji
Yet these last 2 weeks as I have pursued Him, and truly tithed the better parts of my day to Him and He has met me more than halfway...it has made worship, study and prayer bitter-sweet...bitter in realizing that I have selfishly kept the best for myself these last 4 years (reading, watching TV, working on houses, corresponding with my family all over the world) and wasted such valuable time that i could have enjoyed with Him. Sweet as I have abandoned myself to Him once again, I have gotten to experience how much He loves me, watch Him pull me out of mess after mess, and trade my fears for excitement.
You hit it on the nose last week when you said we are like pencils...with many of us writing our lives with the eraser end...my problem was as I was so broken, I doubted He could use this tiny stub of a pencil to write anything. Then He showed me that it isn't the instrument---but He who uses it---after that sermon, I read in my Streams in the Desert Devotional: "The main question is the Mastery of Him who Uses the Instrument....it would be a poor pencil which Raphael could not create a masterpiece---the Power of the Spirit behind the least gifted one, can work to Glorious issues---let me put myself wholly at God's service, whatever I may be; greatness is NOT required, but meetness for the Masters use."
And this week when you talked about searching after God's heart in prayer...your example of being open in the spirit to what God has to say, has spurred me on to strive for that closeness. Most of all that closeness on a daily basis, not when hard times are coming or I have needs, but to ask for a yearning to know Him as well as I know my best friends, so that I may recognize His gentle nudgings. Keep on doing what you are doing...it's helping me...does everyone get to read this or just you? Still know less than you do about this blog stuff... God Bless, anji
I too, have really enjoyed these last few lessons that you have tought from the "pulpit."
It is so vital in our spiritual growth to be open to follow God's lead wherever he may take us. As he whispers our name we have a duty, as sons and daughters of the Living God, to answer him and take each step prayerfully and faithfully, moving closer to the plan he has laid out for each of us. This is how we worship him in our lives.
Point 2, in your blog, reminded me of this spiritual truth. The Lord has so much to offer us in our journey walking with him! He loves us more than we can ever comprehend and has wonderful "gifts" waiting for us to enjoy once we have given ourselves fully to him. His plans are to "...prosper us and not to harm us. To give us a hope and a future!" Jeremiah 29:11. Later, in that same chapter, God says, "If you look for me with all your heart, you will find me if you seek me." -Jeremiah 29:13 This sounds like an active kind of Faith. One that has "feet."
So yes, let us get outside of ourselves and set the eyes of our hearts on the ONE who loves us with an unconditional love. Let us draw near to him each day through prayer and the reading of his word so that we can grow and bear the fruit that reflects the sweetness of our Lord!
It is so vital in our spiritual growth to be open to follow God's lead wherever he may take us. As he whispers our name we have a duty, as sons and daughters of the Living God, to answer him and take each step prayerfully and faithfully, moving closer to the plan he has laid out for each of us. This is how we worship him in our lives.
Point 2, in your blog, reminded me of this spiritual truth. The Lord has so much to offer us in our journey walking with him! He loves us more than we can ever comprehend and has wonderful "gifts" waiting for us to enjoy once we have given ourselves fully to him. His plans are to "...prosper us and not to harm us. To give us a hope and a future!" Jeremiah 29:11. Later, in that same chapter, God says, "If you look for me with all your heart, you will find me if you seek me." -Jeremiah 29:13 This sounds like an active kind of Faith. One that has "feet."
So yes, let us get outside of ourselves and set the eyes of our hearts on the ONE who loves us with an unconditional love. Let us draw near to him each day through prayer and the reading of his word so that we can grow and bear the fruit that reflects the sweetness of our Lord!
We were driving home from cell, and I was reflecting on some of the group's discussion which ties in nicely with what you have posted. Specifically, item number four which talks about the practice of disciplines.
I think that a healthy view of any discipline should include that it be seen as a "tool" that helps to reconcile the "split" between God and man. For example, if I approach "prayer" with the understanding that there exists a "gap" between God and myself - a profound disconnect between His nature and mine - then my prayer can be focused on bridging that gap. The goal here is not simply to pray more, but rather to move ourselves into closer oneness with Him.
The same can be said for any discipline (worship, fasting, etc.). We simply aren't practicing something because it is the right thing to do; or because it is something we should do; or even for the "noble" cause of becoming a better person. These attitudes may be prideful in the sense that "through our own actions", we can begin to close the separation that exists between God and man.
Instead, let the practice of any discipline first help us to see how utterly dependant we are on God for meaning and purpose. Let it help us to understand His unique, unparalled divinity; and then let it help us to appreciate the undeserved communion that He invites all of us into.
I think that a healthy view of any discipline should include that it be seen as a "tool" that helps to reconcile the "split" between God and man. For example, if I approach "prayer" with the understanding that there exists a "gap" between God and myself - a profound disconnect between His nature and mine - then my prayer can be focused on bridging that gap. The goal here is not simply to pray more, but rather to move ourselves into closer oneness with Him.
The same can be said for any discipline (worship, fasting, etc.). We simply aren't practicing something because it is the right thing to do; or because it is something we should do; or even for the "noble" cause of becoming a better person. These attitudes may be prideful in the sense that "through our own actions", we can begin to close the separation that exists between God and man.
Instead, let the practice of any discipline first help us to see how utterly dependant we are on God for meaning and purpose. Let it help us to understand His unique, unparalled divinity; and then let it help us to appreciate the undeserved communion that He invites all of us into.
I rather enjoy hearing your thoughts on issues relating to our worship and relationship with God. So, initially I'd like to personally thank you for giving of your time each week to be a part of BSM. I just find it amazing how you can take 12 minutes and in such a short time make me reevaluate my everyday actions. Your message today, brief as it was really spoke to my heart, as I am often less than sensitive to the Holy Spirit when it comes to my everyday speech. I spend too much time focusing on large concepts and ideas, instead of focusing on the little things, the details that I can take advantage of to worship God throughout the day.
In regard to your blog though, a few points really stuck out to me. I find myself so often being that passive Chirst follower, apt to accept the benefits of salvation, but not always so enthused about showing my gratitude by my actions. Most notably right now I struggle with resting in God's peace. Instead I will focus on my circumstance, on everything that is not right in my life. In my head I know it's pointless to do this, and that God is bigger than my problems, but I guess it seems like I haven't really absorbed that truth into my heart, and let it transform my attitude.
I also found the part about overdeveloping certain areas while neglecting others very interesting and it's something I honestly have never considered. I feel like I spend too much time focused on gaining more knowledge, but without really letting it affect me emotionaly. I keep storing up facts and information in my head, but I don't let it sink into my heart. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I look forward to seeing your posting in the future, and may God richly bless you.
In regard to your blog though, a few points really stuck out to me. I find myself so often being that passive Chirst follower, apt to accept the benefits of salvation, but not always so enthused about showing my gratitude by my actions. Most notably right now I struggle with resting in God's peace. Instead I will focus on my circumstance, on everything that is not right in my life. In my head I know it's pointless to do this, and that God is bigger than my problems, but I guess it seems like I haven't really absorbed that truth into my heart, and let it transform my attitude.
I also found the part about overdeveloping certain areas while neglecting others very interesting and it's something I honestly have never considered. I feel like I spend too much time focused on gaining more knowledge, but without really letting it affect me emotionaly. I keep storing up facts and information in my head, but I don't let it sink into my heart. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I look forward to seeing your posting in the future, and may God richly bless you.
Can you come up with a list of as many varieties of disciplines that should be practiced to help one grow in spiritual maturity?
I imagine the list is infinite but what are your thoughts?
I imagine the list is infinite but what are your thoughts?
"Ricky's" post on Oct 25 has allowed me to think critically about the manner in which I approach my disciplines. I agree that the list of disciplines is infinite. More importantly, he got me thinking about my "attitude" in the practice any given discipline. What if the discipline itself wasn't as important as the attitude in which we approach it?
Example…Recently, I've begun to start off the day in a simple prayer of thanksgiving. It's a discipline that helps me to recognize the importance of giving God my "first" in everything - a principle of tithing that I'm trying to adopt in other areas of my walk. However, sometimes I'll get into my morning routine and I'll realize that I've given "myself" my first in spite of my good intentions. In the past, I've thought, "Oh, well, opportunity lost. There's always tomorrow." And, as I reflect on that "attitude", I've begun to see how it can affect my discipline of prayer.
Maybe...
Instead of cutting out a neat little corner of my schedule for God, my prayer time should be more spontaneous. Instead of limiting thanksgiving and praise to one little session that I control, initiate and bring myself to; maybe, I should allow Him a little more freedom to call on me; point me and move me.
What if I looked for the Kingdom in everyday, normal situations and activities? Maybe then I would: Not get caught up in "scheduling" time for Him; understand that the disappointment or guilt of "missing" time with Him is initiated by the enemy; realize that He knows our complacency and weakness, but provides with abundant opportunity to seek Him.
Instead of focusing on what I can bring to the table with any given discipline, I want to approach the table in humility. I want to recognize that God's presence is not limited to the time or place of my call on Him; and to know that any given discipline should not be an end to itself, but rather a means to maintaining a constant walk in His presence.
Example…Recently, I've begun to start off the day in a simple prayer of thanksgiving. It's a discipline that helps me to recognize the importance of giving God my "first" in everything - a principle of tithing that I'm trying to adopt in other areas of my walk. However, sometimes I'll get into my morning routine and I'll realize that I've given "myself" my first in spite of my good intentions. In the past, I've thought, "Oh, well, opportunity lost. There's always tomorrow." And, as I reflect on that "attitude", I've begun to see how it can affect my discipline of prayer.
Maybe...
Instead of cutting out a neat little corner of my schedule for God, my prayer time should be more spontaneous. Instead of limiting thanksgiving and praise to one little session that I control, initiate and bring myself to; maybe, I should allow Him a little more freedom to call on me; point me and move me.
What if I looked for the Kingdom in everyday, normal situations and activities? Maybe then I would: Not get caught up in "scheduling" time for Him; understand that the disappointment or guilt of "missing" time with Him is initiated by the enemy; realize that He knows our complacency and weakness, but provides with abundant opportunity to seek Him.
Instead of focusing on what I can bring to the table with any given discipline, I want to approach the table in humility. I want to recognize that God's presence is not limited to the time or place of my call on Him; and to know that any given discipline should not be an end to itself, but rather a means to maintaining a constant walk in His presence.
I think the spontanaity in the spiritual journey is important. In fact the way I have thought of it for years has been like the communication between a quarterback and a receiever; they have "scheduled" a play, but in fact that is where things start. How the play culminates is determined by what the defense does, ie., blitz, bump and run, etc. Both react " on the fly". What they see, feel and hear dtermines what the actual play will look like.
So, I believe that if we are sensitive to the Lord, then we will be directed to pray, serve, listen or respond to His leadership in various ways. This makes life unpredictable and exciting.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for the disciplined, organized and structured pursuit of the spiritual life. If we enter into these disciplines with only duty on our mind (weak attitude) then we will probably exit the spiritual practice with only the satisfaction of completing a daily task. But, if we enter these spiritual practices with expectation (strong attitude) of enhancement of our relationship with Christ, then what could occur could be amazing!
It seems to me that in these designated moments our undivided attention can be given to God's voice speaking to us. We will pray, read, fast, study, etc, but His voice, His words, His envelopment of us is what we all seek.
So, I see the value in both. Both planned spiritual practice and spontaneous spiritual direction are both needed in our journeys.
So, I believe that if we are sensitive to the Lord, then we will be directed to pray, serve, listen or respond to His leadership in various ways. This makes life unpredictable and exciting.
On the other hand, there is something to be said for the disciplined, organized and structured pursuit of the spiritual life. If we enter into these disciplines with only duty on our mind (weak attitude) then we will probably exit the spiritual practice with only the satisfaction of completing a daily task. But, if we enter these spiritual practices with expectation (strong attitude) of enhancement of our relationship with Christ, then what could occur could be amazing!
It seems to me that in these designated moments our undivided attention can be given to God's voice speaking to us. We will pray, read, fast, study, etc, but His voice, His words, His envelopment of us is what we all seek.
So, I see the value in both. Both planned spiritual practice and spontaneous spiritual direction are both needed in our journeys.
Yes, Tommy I agree completely (great football analogy). Attitude is everything. Without the proper attitude everything gets lost in routine, complacency and/or ego. Having the right attitude is the difference between viewing discipline merely as a tool through which you allow God to pursue you (self-centered), versus you pursuing God with a longing and a passion that you are unable to turn away from (God-focused).
It becomes clearer everyday that the only appropriate response to the actions of Christ is the displacement of self, having the right “attitude” in the exercise of our discipline (routine or spontaneous) helps us to that end. I agree with your statement: "His voice, His words, His envelopment of us is what we all seek".
I can see the importance of attitude as it carries over into our works. Will our efforts be self-serving or Kingdom building? Beginning with disciplines and extending through works, Christ must be the center. There is a consequence to knowing Christ that in the broadest sense starts with humility and culminates in the transformation of our hearts and minds.
It’s not about us, but yet it is…
It becomes clearer everyday that the only appropriate response to the actions of Christ is the displacement of self, having the right “attitude” in the exercise of our discipline (routine or spontaneous) helps us to that end. I agree with your statement: "His voice, His words, His envelopment of us is what we all seek".
I can see the importance of attitude as it carries over into our works. Will our efforts be self-serving or Kingdom building? Beginning with disciplines and extending through works, Christ must be the center. There is a consequence to knowing Christ that in the broadest sense starts with humility and culminates in the transformation of our hearts and minds.
It’s not about us, but yet it is…
I see a lot on “how to” help to maintain relationships from many Christian writers being utilized to help Christians be better Christ like people. While that may be helpful to some, I don’t see what is so difficult in the Word about understanding; “To Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your might, Honor your father and mother, and do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” My point is we can chase the sun on all these how to do help on relationships and miss that there is an ocean more of material that our faith hinges on than relationships.
I think we are missing the boat of opportunity to stand up for Christ and the Word when we remain quite or passive when we hear the Truth being attacked or mocked. The Truth I’m talking about is the first nine chapters of Genesis. I'm talking about the wrong ideas of origins, along with the sciences as well as human and natural history being propagated. We should be resisting it in a very vocal way. If we do not, by our silence we accept the heresies against the Word and our faith in Christ.
If you tell me hey Kevin chill, the important thing is having the Lord Jesus Christ living in your heart. That should be our focus. I say well the members of the Church of LDS say they preach that. They wonder why a lot of Christians don’t consider them as real believers in Christ; after all they pray to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts. Would you say their belief that Jesus and Satan being equals. That is both are sons of God and Jesus is the good son and Satan is the bad son really does not matter to their salvation? I think if we don’t have a clear understanding of where we came from and who the enemy is we will even as Spirit filled Christians be in a state of confusion on our relationship with God and our relationships with others.
I think we are missing the boat of opportunity to stand up for Christ and the Word when we remain quite or passive when we hear the Truth being attacked or mocked. The Truth I’m talking about is the first nine chapters of Genesis. I'm talking about the wrong ideas of origins, along with the sciences as well as human and natural history being propagated. We should be resisting it in a very vocal way. If we do not, by our silence we accept the heresies against the Word and our faith in Christ.
If you tell me hey Kevin chill, the important thing is having the Lord Jesus Christ living in your heart. That should be our focus. I say well the members of the Church of LDS say they preach that. They wonder why a lot of Christians don’t consider them as real believers in Christ; after all they pray to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts. Would you say their belief that Jesus and Satan being equals. That is both are sons of God and Jesus is the good son and Satan is the bad son really does not matter to their salvation? I think if we don’t have a clear understanding of where we came from and who the enemy is we will even as Spirit filled Christians be in a state of confusion on our relationship with God and our relationships with others.
In regards to "understanding" "love the Lord with all your heart...", I don't beleive the issue is understanding, I think the issue is obeying. It is not hard to understand a truth ie., smoking kills you, yet people continue to smoke understanding all the way to body destruction.
In a spiritual situation we are told that even the demons and Satan himself believe, or understand, that there is a God. What they are missing is love, submission, acceptance trust, etc. to that God.
I would like to think that obedience to truth comes with a growing relationship to Christ but I don't beleive this is neccesarily so. I think it helps greatly, but I also think every Believer must be commited to truth obedience whether they "feel" close to God or not.
I say these things to say this, focusing on relationship with Jesus is important now because it has been important since Adam and Eve. Focusing on obedience now is important because it has been as important for the same length of time. It is not one without the other, it is both and.
In regards to belief in the creation account. I do beleive in a literal creation as so decribed by Genesis. It is based on faith and how I fail to see evolutionary thought being correct. But, I see neither belief in a Genesis creation acct nor belief in a dispensational escatology acct being essential for salvation in Christ. There are things about both where we came from and where we are going (and when we are going) that I do not understand. That is where faith comes in. I am perfectly comfortable not knowing everything.
I do agree with your closing comments about understanding where we came from as being helpful in understanding who we are, who God is and how we relate. The belief in a creation without God is a sin that has strong consequenses. Not having this clear understanding is one of things damaged by sin.
There is much to this subject. This is what I have for the moment.
In a spiritual situation we are told that even the demons and Satan himself believe, or understand, that there is a God. What they are missing is love, submission, acceptance trust, etc. to that God.
I would like to think that obedience to truth comes with a growing relationship to Christ but I don't beleive this is neccesarily so. I think it helps greatly, but I also think every Believer must be commited to truth obedience whether they "feel" close to God or not.
I say these things to say this, focusing on relationship with Jesus is important now because it has been important since Adam and Eve. Focusing on obedience now is important because it has been as important for the same length of time. It is not one without the other, it is both and.
In regards to belief in the creation account. I do beleive in a literal creation as so decribed by Genesis. It is based on faith and how I fail to see evolutionary thought being correct. But, I see neither belief in a Genesis creation acct nor belief in a dispensational escatology acct being essential for salvation in Christ. There are things about both where we came from and where we are going (and when we are going) that I do not understand. That is where faith comes in. I am perfectly comfortable not knowing everything.
I do agree with your closing comments about understanding where we came from as being helpful in understanding who we are, who God is and how we relate. The belief in a creation without God is a sin that has strong consequenses. Not having this clear understanding is one of things damaged by sin.
There is much to this subject. This is what I have for the moment.
I do believe that the easy part is "understanding" that there is right and a wrong. It seems to be part of our original programming. The difficulty lays in being obedient to God and allowing the Holy Spirit do what It is best at: Convicting ourselves and others of Truth.
Absolutness or "His Truth" by definition can never be open to interpretation - it is what it is. The problem is that some of our personally held “truths” are not absolutes, simply because we are not God. We live in an environment that is a manifestation of His Truth, and we are limited to being “creation” vs. “Creator”. I think this is what gives birth to interpretations found everywhere – the good, bad and the ugly.
I think He wants it that way. Otherwise, we would all believe the same thing with the same fervor. I support this by observing that the writing style found in the Bible is not technical by any means. It is far from being a step-by-step instruction manual or a handbook titled, “How to construct perfect spiritual alignment with your Creator”.
I’m not trying to be frivolous, and I want to be extremely clear about what I’m saying. I’m only referring to the "manner" in which the Bible is written, not the "content" itself. I am not questioning the source of inspiration for Scripture or discounting its validity. What I am pointing out is that it is more than a mechanical description of right and wrong. Beyond legalism and technicality, its pages seem to inspire relationship.
Therein lays the draw to God, and the importance of getting our “relationships” right.
So while our individual interpretations are important, what is most crucial is that they point in the direction of obedience. Starting with how we behave, and then progressing to how we think/feel, there is a progression that culminates in the submission of our individual will.
Our relationship with God is like a dance. Practicing obedience is like making the commitment to learning the individual steps. The Spirit is like the instructor. Christ is the example of what the whole performance is supposed to look like. Hopefully, our awkwardness is transformed by the instructor into something beautiful and graceful – God’s will.
Absolutness or "His Truth" by definition can never be open to interpretation - it is what it is. The problem is that some of our personally held “truths” are not absolutes, simply because we are not God. We live in an environment that is a manifestation of His Truth, and we are limited to being “creation” vs. “Creator”. I think this is what gives birth to interpretations found everywhere – the good, bad and the ugly.
I think He wants it that way. Otherwise, we would all believe the same thing with the same fervor. I support this by observing that the writing style found in the Bible is not technical by any means. It is far from being a step-by-step instruction manual or a handbook titled, “How to construct perfect spiritual alignment with your Creator”.
I’m not trying to be frivolous, and I want to be extremely clear about what I’m saying. I’m only referring to the "manner" in which the Bible is written, not the "content" itself. I am not questioning the source of inspiration for Scripture or discounting its validity. What I am pointing out is that it is more than a mechanical description of right and wrong. Beyond legalism and technicality, its pages seem to inspire relationship.
Therein lays the draw to God, and the importance of getting our “relationships” right.
So while our individual interpretations are important, what is most crucial is that they point in the direction of obedience. Starting with how we behave, and then progressing to how we think/feel, there is a progression that culminates in the submission of our individual will.
Our relationship with God is like a dance. Practicing obedience is like making the commitment to learning the individual steps. The Spirit is like the instructor. Christ is the example of what the whole performance is supposed to look like. Hopefully, our awkwardness is transformed by the instructor into something beautiful and graceful – God’s will.
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