Theological facts are like the altar of Elijah on Carmel before the fire came, correct, properly laid out, but altogether cold. When the heart makes the ultimate surrender, the fire falls and true facts are transmuted into spiritual truth that transforms, enlightens, sanctifies. The church or the individual that is Bible taught without being Spirit taught (and there are many of them) has simply failed to see that truth lies deeper than the theological statement of it. A.W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian
I believe it was Andrew Murray that confessed to teaching beyond personal practice. The same was true of Paul (Philippians 3:12); so, I am in good company in regard to the following.
God has used my study of microeconomics to shed some light on His economy. The truth can be both convicting and encouraging. I pray your consideration of the following will also make you free.
- If what we are doing has no current or future value to the kingdom of God, then we are devaluing the time and life we have been given.
- The way we invest what has been invested in us either adds to, or subtracts from, the value of it.
- The cost of time is the explicit time spent in the activity PLUS the implicit lost opportunity cost (i.e., what could have been earned doing a more profitable activity). Lost opportunity cost is many times greater, but often hidden from our consideration.
- The issues of cost/investment also apply to our talent, money, belongings, etc.
This kind of thinking raises the bar considerably. Is it too much to expect? Beware of your soulish reasoning. Don’t let your mind play tricks on you.
Most would agree that Jesus perfectly invested what the Father was investing in Him. This Son of Man, knowing what the Father was capable of, said a couple of interesting things.
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:21
God is working in us to will and do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We are in process. Let’s stop loitering around.
He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Let the fire fall. Choose surrender.
I hope and pray you will join me in pressing on to perfection. That is what He paid the price for.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob