The bondage to Self-Love
Do you subscribe to Tabletalk Magazine? If not, you should. Tabletalk is a monthly magazine from Ligonier Ministries that engages both the mind and heart. You can almost hear the RTS slogan in each article ("A Mind for Truth a Heart for God"- a personal favorite of mine).
I say all that to say this, last night I was smitten while I sat and read the introductory article to this months issue entitled, "Exceptional Mediocrity". The article is about how mediocrity is not something that ought to have ANY part in the Christian experience. In some sense Paul might even say let this "not even be named among you". Sproul writes,
"The legitimate motive for excellence is to seek achievement for the end to glorify God. That is the chief purpose for which we are created, to bear witness to His glory. One thing that does not bear witness to the glory of God is a human addiction to mediocrity, a smug satisfaction with the status quo" (TT pg7).
As I read that I could not help but to think that each and everyone of the theologians that I lean on, look up to, somewhat "idolize" or perhaps have a fascination with all have had the same current running through their veins. That is, they all worked hard (1 Cor. 15.10). I was confronted with the fact that doing theology and loving God is not easy and toilless. Rather, there is much labor to be done and work to be performed. I was so rebuked by Sproul's admonition and yet greatly encouraged and set aflame. I have much work to do but the work MUST be done.
I was admonished also that, "No one achieves excellence in any worthy enterprise without diligent and disciplined labor" (can you hear Edwards' "Resolved" list in that?). Is not the glory of the cross a "worthy enterprise" and does it not draw me unto labor?
Finally, Sproul wrote these inflamatory words, "Let us therefore seek to excel, let us push ourselves to the highest limits of endurance to achieve the highest possible level of excellence in all that we do, while at the same time watching vigilantly for the evil impulse of pride to vitiate any value to our labor. Let us work hard, let us excel to God's glory. Soli Deo Gloria."
Brothers, hate your self-love and keep working.
I say all that to say this, last night I was smitten while I sat and read the introductory article to this months issue entitled, "Exceptional Mediocrity". The article is about how mediocrity is not something that ought to have ANY part in the Christian experience. In some sense Paul might even say let this "not even be named among you". Sproul writes,
"The legitimate motive for excellence is to seek achievement for the end to glorify God. That is the chief purpose for which we are created, to bear witness to His glory. One thing that does not bear witness to the glory of God is a human addiction to mediocrity, a smug satisfaction with the status quo" (TT pg7).
As I read that I could not help but to think that each and everyone of the theologians that I lean on, look up to, somewhat "idolize" or perhaps have a fascination with all have had the same current running through their veins. That is, they all worked hard (1 Cor. 15.10). I was confronted with the fact that doing theology and loving God is not easy and toilless. Rather, there is much labor to be done and work to be performed. I was so rebuked by Sproul's admonition and yet greatly encouraged and set aflame. I have much work to do but the work MUST be done.
I was admonished also that, "No one achieves excellence in any worthy enterprise without diligent and disciplined labor" (can you hear Edwards' "Resolved" list in that?). Is not the glory of the cross a "worthy enterprise" and does it not draw me unto labor?
Finally, Sproul wrote these inflamatory words, "Let us therefore seek to excel, let us push ourselves to the highest limits of endurance to achieve the highest possible level of excellence in all that we do, while at the same time watching vigilantly for the evil impulse of pride to vitiate any value to our labor. Let us work hard, let us excel to God's glory. Soli Deo Gloria."
Brothers, hate your self-love and keep working.
posted by adam at 4:08 PM
3 Comments:
Adam,
The "Arminian Advisory" is amazing! I am loving it. I would definitely wear the t-shirt.
James
I do love the Arminian Advisory.
Baylor,
Hey, that Arminian Advistory might of been Adam's idea, but it was my html that put it in! There is another great pic down below, did you see that one?
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