REPEATING one of my favorite quotes: “The sum total of the wisdom of the ages, is to find out which way God is going and walk with him” – we are still in our study in the chapter about Principles of Spiritual Growth (Part One of the Complete Green Letters), noting that God’s has a central purpose in seeing us conformed to His Son as stated in Rom 8:29 and 2Cor 3:18. This topic is so important and I’m so tempted to make lengthy comments regarding it. But for now, just this will suffice before we enter into our read and consideration.
THE author uses a quote that may contain a questionable connotation, appearing somewhat mystical in negating scholarship. It is important to keep things balanced, and an emphasis is made for looking “to the Word” as our source for Christ. This cannot be done apart from filling “mind and heart” with His truth. The point being made here is that it is not just mere knowledge we seek, but it is Christ himself that is the objective end. (John 17:17)
OKAY, with that, let’s get to it.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 4—Purpose – Part 4
God has a natural law in force to the effect that we are conformed to that on which we center our interest and love. Hawthorne brought out this fact in “The Great Stone Face.” Then, too, think of Germany so many years ago, full of little Hitlers all because of fanatical devotion to a second-rate paper hanger! Here in America radio, TV and movies contribute to a rising generation of young people who try to emulate their entertainment heroes. And what of the believer? If we are attracted to this present evil world, we become increasingly worldly; if we pamper and live for self, we become more and more self-centered; but when we look to Jesus Christ, we become more and more like Him.
Norman Douty writes: “If I am to be like Him, then God in His grace must do it, and the sooner I come to recognize it the sooner I will be delivered from another form of bondage. Throw down every endeavor and say, I cannot do it, the more I try the farther I get from His likeness. What shall I do? Ah, the Holy Spirit says, You cannot do it; just withdraw; come out of it. You have been in the arena, you have been endeavoring, you are a failure, come out and sit down, and as you sit there behold Him, look at Him. Don’t try to be like Him, just look at Him. Just be occupied with Him. Forget about trying to be like Him. Instead of letting that fill your mind and heart, let Him fill it. Just behold Him, look upon Him through the Word. Come to the Word for one purpose and that is to meet the Lord. Not to get your mind crammed full of things about the sacred Word, but come to it to meet the Lord. Make it to be a medium, not of Biblical scholarship, but of fellowship with Christ. Behold the Lord.” ….to be continued.
