The over-arching point of the book (as far as I can tell so far) is the acknowledgement that we cannot change who we are if we don't change our habits and disciplines first. Ultimately, it isn't enough to say we "love" someone or something, without acting in a way that exemplifies, or "lives out" that love. "You are what you think"...doesn't imply action or overflow. Simply changing your thoughts doesn't change the way you live. It very well can have an effect, BUT, without repetition and self-discipline, you cannot achieve change or focus.
Here's a few paragraphs of what the writer has to say:
"Many modes of Christian piety and discipleship that are suspicious of formal theology and higher education are nonetheless 'intellectualist' in how they approach discipleship and Christian formation, narrowly focussed on filling our intellectual 'wells' with biblical knowledge, convinced that we can think our way to holiness-sanctification by information transfer... - Have you ever found that new knowledge and information don't seem to translate into a new way of life? Ever had the experience of hearing an incredibly illuminating and informative sermon on a Sunday, waking up on Monday morning with new resolve and conviction to be different, and already failing by Tuesday night? You are hungry for knowledge; you thirstily drink up biblical ideas; you long to be Christlike; yet all of that knowledge doesn't seem to translate into a way of life. It seems we can't think our way to holiness"
Wow. I feel like I could underline this whole book (I think I almost have). THIS is what I think is the primary most practical, relatable struggle that every disciple of Jesus faces. I long to be near to Jesus, to know him more, and to study his word. BUT, more than knowledge accumulation, and study, I want his presence. I want to learn to walk in his ways. I want to BE like Jesus. I think the answer begins with repentance and surrender, and then we must choose, with God's help, to change our habits. Break old ones, and create new ones.
My challenge for myself and you today is "what life-giving, Christlike habits could you create in your daily/weekly/monthly rhythm? And what toxic life-taking habits do you need to break?
"Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will" - Romans 12: 1-2
- Jon.
jneufeld@b4church.org
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