Growing Standing Still

My mom and I were talking this evening about the Acquire the Fire tour my younger sister is helping out with (see the blog "Overcoming" in my followed blogs to read about her updates) and I stated that sometimes I'm just tired of learning stuff and going to conferences and such. I need to focus on applying it.

She agreed and stated something that I think applies to me and many Christians; "I find my comfort in reading and learning about God and his commands but He has instructed us to apply them" (paraphrased).

I continued to think about our brief conversation later as I tightened some exhaust clamps on my car.

Isn't this what so many American Christians suffer with? Knowledge obesity? We have more freedom in America as Christians than practically any other era of history. Record number of books and easy access to them. We have the time to read, money to go to conferences, and the Bible in as many translations as you can care to shake a stick at yet this generation of Christians seems all the more lethargic and ineffective at actually impacting those around them.

Why is this? Quite simply it is because Christ hasn't impacted their lives.

We know knowledgeably about God; but persecuted Christians in poor third world countries know God both in experience and intimately but probably have little more than a Bible to read (if even that). The former wins the local bible quizing; but the latter is at the front lines, advancing an eternal kingdom.

Take a relationship for example. I could court my future wife for many years and know all her likes and dislikes but until I marry her and we become one, I will not know her in the intimate way a husband and wife can. Hard to describe when I haven't actually gotten married and all but it seems quite biblical.

22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. James 1:22-24

God brought this passage to mind and then gave me an insight into its meaning I do not recall thinking of before.

"...he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was". What does that mean? Could it mean that those who simply hear but do not do what the Word of God says are like so many "Christians" around us today. Influenced not by Christ but by those around them? The latest trends and fashions pop culture? That they quite simply forget who they are, lost and wretched. Evil and doomed to suffer the full wrath of God? Another way of looking at it is, hearing the word and not doing it is as stupid as forgetting what your own face looks like!

As I stated earlier, the knowledge they have gained has made no impact on their lives. Many a secular university professor can read and talk about the bible as a historic book of history and ancient cultures but miss the main message (or more likely, deny it). It is so easy to simply read, but to do, that requires living like aliens and strangers in this world. Standing out as a person separated (holy) for God's call and purposes. Lets just say, when we are living as Christ and not simply learning about Him, it is not so easy to forget who we were (lost) and who we are (saved, children of a benevolent father and mighty King). As we go about each day, we are contently seeking to be His hands and His feet to those around us. Since we can't do it in our own strength, our knees are worn as we cry out for greater manifestations of His power, grace and strength in our lives. We lean all the more heavily on His right hand to sustain and guide us.

So does this mean I'm going to boycott sermon listening, church, and bible study? God forbid! We must remember that we are forgetful creatures, sheep who are prone to wonder (and quite stupid might I add).

Instead my approach needs to change. Instead of simply increasing my knowledge of God (or in many cases, remembering the knowledge I have of God), I need to take a moment and ask God to show me, how and where can I apply this? Then, I must risk it all for him.

Am I advancing in this? I believe so but oh so painfully slow. Thank you Lord for being so patient with me!


Once again, this post simply doesn't do the amazing truths of God justice but I pray that God fills in the blanks and brings verses and truths to mind that He wants you to start applying.

Cheering you on as you die to yourself so that Christ might live in you!
Corey