Thankfully, there is a reaction
to freedomism in our day which is renewing a call to self
denial for the cause of Jesus Christ. However, that reaction is in danger of
going into overdrive, creating a new self righteousness while leaving many in a
spiritual backwater. One does not correct dark shorelines by calling all
residents to become lighthouses. There is something to be said for porch
lights.
While it is occasionally true, “When
others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king,” it is observably true that,
when others see a shepherd boy, God sees a shepherd boy, too. If we forget
that, the call to come out from a life of self-indulgence, can become
disconnected from real-time life much like medieval monks who spoke of days of
meditation and fasting while the common man worked from sunup to sundown in
search of his next meal. Unbalanced messages to “sell all you have,” can be as
biblically irresponsible as messages to go for the gusto.
The Bible was written to common
folks. It tells us, “Whatever you do, do all
to the glory of God.” For most of us that looks like what Paul described: aspire to live quietly,
and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed
you, so that you may live properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.These are
the ones who make it possible for kings to wear wool and NASCAR drivers to have
working vehicles.
In other words, help the shepherd
boy (plumber, accountant, etc.) to represent God well where he is. Don’t derail
him from who he might become by telling him to give up sling shots and harp
strumming. At the same time, don’t make him an irresponsible shepherd by
telling him slings and harps are the real deal.
Next: Alfies, Take Note
Home: The Withered Grape
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