Continuing in our series of posts on Efficacy Matters, this week I would like you to think about the power of the God to change lives. Too many people and organizations have tried to reduce the Christian walk to a formula or a program. I've seen it from the most conservative of Fundamentalist and I observed it in the most liberal of denominations. It has been packaged as "10 easy steps to..." or "The Hidden Key to..." or "The Secret of...." or "If you just ____ then you will ___". I've received advertisements for "50 Days of..." and "40 Day to..." I've been invited to participate in "the only conference that will..." and "the only place you can get..."
Spiritual formation is more than reading a certain book, attendance at a certain workshop; or wearing a particular bracelet, T-shirt or ring; more than a button on your lapel or a sticker on your bumper.
In Acts 8:19 Simon wanted to buy God's power as if it were a commodity. In Matthew 12 the Pharisees tried to identify Jesus by being in a defined group. In Mark 9 the Disciples were dismayed to see Jesus do miracles that they couldn't do even though they were following all the prescribed steps. In Galatians 4:9-10 the Believers are scolded for being lured into set traditions.
In the modern church, it has been said that an entertaining preacher, a contemporary venue, and a gimmicky marketing campaign is all that is necessary to build a megachurch. But getting large numbers of people in the same place at the same time is not the end goal. Too many rely on gimmicks like those reported here and here.
Are people becoming like Christ in their thinking, motives and behavior?
No one will EVER move toward Christlikeness unless God enables him/her to do so. (Jn 6:44; Rom 6:4, 7:24-25, 8:11; Eph 3:20, Phil 2:13; Heb 13:21; James 4:15P
It is not the persuasiveness of men or the clever maginations of our minds that causes people to become like Christ. It is only God's power that makes for lasting change. True transformation ONLY happens in partnership with the living God.
When have you seen God's power at work to do what you could not do in yourself?
Every time I have to forgive someone who really hurt me I see the power of Christ in me - because forgiveness and not hanging on to grudges does not come naturally to me at all.
ReplyDeleteThat being said......God has used not only His word to tell me I am supposed to forgive - but He has also worked through various teachers who have reminded me that if I really am a child of God - as far as it depends upon me, I am supposed to live at peace with everyone.
I agree that it is God Who does the motivating and changing (Phil 2:12-13) but doesn't He also work through the teaching and exhorting of those He has placed within the body of Christ who are meant to help equip His people?
I think there is a particular book, it is called the bible. It opens your mind to what God says you should do and how you should be. Then there is a particular thing, the Holy Spirit, when you are convinced of the written word, to invite him into your heart to change your life.....ah yes a rebel none the less
ReplyDeleteSo comment #2,
ReplyDeleteAre you saying we don't need teachers or pastors, but rather God's Word and the Holy Spirit alone? There are churches that are without pastors, and led by laymen who regularly attend and share. Feel free to jump back in Pastor Dave, as I'm a little confused by the posted comments.
2 thoughts - 1) The Holy Spirit is a PERSON (possessing mind, will & emotion) more than a thing. 2)Human teachers partner WITH the Holy Spirit in the communication of God's Word - 1 Cor 2:1-5 Paul uses human abilities while depending upon supernatural empowerment to bring spiritual transformation.
ReplyDelete