“I used to look inwardly, so much, to try and find joy, hope, and confidence, but I’ve learned that that’s a hopeless cause. Many Christians are more spiritual than I am, but I’m happier than they are. Why? Because they are constantly looking at their own performance and I’ve given up on that. I look now, only unto the perfect work of Jesus Christ on my behalf. “ - Paul Washer
Yesterday I wrote about my recent struggle with daily scripture reading and how I realized it was a problem with my relationship with God and not a technique or motive thing. I have so far had success reading the bible on a daily basis, granted it's only been a day.
Nevertheless, I was listening to one of my favorite "mp3 mentors," Paul Washer, and I heard him speak the quote above. I have heard him use this illustration before (he often repeats the same material every time he speaks publicly), and I was thrilled to hear it again after dealing with what I wrote about yesterday. This story that Paul Washer tells, starts with an eager young Christian coming to Paul and telling him how miserable he is because he can't, no matter how hard he tries, get victory in many areas of personal spiritual discipline. The quote above picks up at this point.
I think Paul Washer offers some very helpful and biblical wisdom in his conclusion. He points to the key for success in the Christian life--that is to place first priority on embracing the finished work of Christ. Simply put, I am to mostly dwell on the Gospel. This is the "work" that Paul Washer is talking about. It is a finished work (we are adopted, forgiven, reborn, washed clean, empowered, made righteous, etc.), but there is an element of the Gospel that has continuing results and is a mystery that requires an eternity to fully understand. As long as I keep focused on the finished work of Christ, I can "work out my salvation with fear and trembling" with the proper motives.
To sum up, my efforts at spiritual performance are a means to an end (fellowship with my adopted Father) and meant to be personally evaluated in light of my postion in God's family, not as a test of whether or not I'm doing this or that, well or poorly. The funny thing about all this is that I have been teaching my discipleship group these very things for the past three months. This very concept of "enjoying" the Christian life, rather than drudging through it as some burdensome collection of do's and don'ts, was the inspiration to write a five-part lesson. It's funny (and slightly embarrassing) to find myself struggling with some of the concepts I was teaching to three teenagers, just two weeks ago. Perhaps I wrote that lesson to myself and just now finally got it. Perhaps I'll share that study here on this blog.
As many good speakers have often said, He doesn't give you a lesson to teach without making sure that you get it too! What blessed grace that He reaches beyond our minds and roots Truth in our hearts :)
ReplyDelete