In response to Anonymous Comment on November 28, 2012
Holy Love originates in the Vine from which pure and undefiled love flows into us (for us) and through us (for others). Tapping into it is referred to biblically as abiding in Christ. When we abide in Him, we live godly lives ourselves and reflect mercy to others - whether they live for God or not.
Holy Love originates in the Vine from which pure and undefiled love flows into us (for us) and through us (for others). Tapping into it is referred to biblically as abiding in Christ. When we abide in Him, we live godly lives ourselves and reflect mercy to others - whether they live for God or not.
When we fail to abide in Him, we split love into binary exclusives missing the full character of God.
We twist love into a truth stream that hits others like a hammer - particularly those who fall short of our particular sensitivities about God's truth. Like the disciples, we turn the Gospel into a sword. We use God to hurt others. We team up with others who do likewise. This is the Pharisee.
Or else we twist love into a mercy stream that transforms God's grace into a license to live however we wish. We turn away from God's boundaries in order to grant ourselves leniency with few limits. We use God to get our way. We join with others who do likewise. This is the Sinner.
The worst case scenario occurs when I opportunistically demand a truth stream for others while granting a mercy stream for myself. I harshly condemn others while ignoring God's demands upon my life. Lest we blame the other, the conservative and liberal both make this mistake.
Holy Love crucifies self-determination destroying our right to live life our way. When we enter it, our flesh begs to be fed. Only then do we discover its' true corruptible nature. When we previously let our flesh rule, it was impossible to see just how demanding it was. Now, we know! We fall short...
Recognizing how we turned God's grace into a license to sin, we cry for mercy. Here, God's grace becomes amazing not because He grants us our way but because we suddenly need a Savior. It can be hard to realize this, because we so often refuse to repent of the people and pleasures we cherish.
Whoever experiences this kind of repentance finds that Holy Love is not easy - it is difficult and costly! We can no longer control God's will; nor withhold God's love from others. Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Branches never direct the vine, and they never prune one another.
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5 comments:
Bill,
Just catching up on some of your blog writing. I would say that this is probably one of the most challenging calls upon the Christian life, to live for Christ and not for ourselves. I love the way you articulated this by writing, "Holy Love crucifies self-determination." For me it is important to remember that by God's grace I am already accepted, loved, redeemed, and remembered by the LORD and in light of these truths of my identity, I am free to lay down my life because of the Holy Love which flows to me and through me. Thanks again for your encouraging words.
Thank you, Anonymous, for your kind words. I appreciate it.
About 3 years ago, I introduced the concept of self-determination only for the purpose of meeting people "at the stage" of their spiritual journey. Some thought I was condoning self-determination as a God-pleasing destiny. I did not intend it that way, but I knew the risks of being misunderstood.
I said what I said because it is reality - there are people in their spiritual journey who are dictating to God what will be or what must be. I think it is valuable to comment on the terrain of that destiny, measure it in objective terms, and ask: does it really work?
This post offers a biblical measure clearly stating that self-determination does not work - it gets blown away at the Cross.
While I don't always speak in these terms, this is my "final answer" so to speak. I may go back to connecting with people where they are, but my heart is forever convicted of the truths in THIS post. I hope to continue to unveil this truth in ways that can reach people where they are and draw them closer to whole-life surrender.
Honestly, I have learned more as a so-called committed Christian about the utter devastation that arises from my self-determination. Very painful lessons. So there is a lesson in here for all of us.
Thank you for taking the time to share your generous feedback.
God bless you,
Bill
Interesting description of hammering people with a stream of truth. Speaking the truth in love is the challenge , for those of us who tend towards legalism , (which you term Pharisee, or Conservative...)
Clarification: I referred to truth-centric errors as prone to playing the Pharisee. I have to be cautious and avoid any perception that I used Pharisee and Conservative interchangeably (as if the Conservative is a Pharisee). That was not my intention. Thanks for allowing this slight clarification and thanks for your comment! Blessings, Bill
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