Q: Is it possible to be completely obedient to the gospel of Christ and the church actually try to stop you?
A: Certainly, he said. Consider Acts 20-21 as this was the case for Paul. Also consider men like CT Studd, Jim Elliott, David Livingstone, Adoniram Judson, William Carey, John Paton, & more. Each of these men were faced with the option to either be obedient to Christ or to loved ones--family, friends, church. Sometimes those who love us the most are our greatest obstacle to following Christ. "Thank God that the church could not stop these men!" Where would we be without these heroes of the faith.
Lately, I have been dealing with a similar dilemma. Will I trust many around me who are offering counsel that seems "typical & god-like" or will I trust Christ & be obedient to what sometimes seems "foolish & of-GOD?" I conclude that much of what is taught and counseled by well-meaning pastors, teachers, Christians is no different that Job's friends. Sometimes what sounds "godly" is out of context & wrong. I am frankly disturbed by how much my worldview is likened to nominal western Christianity as opposed to Christ Himself. Yet, the greater disturbance is how few people actually resemble Christ of the Scriptures. May we be conformed to the image of His Son!
"Christian spiritual formation is focused entirely on Jesus. Its goal is conformity to Christ, a process that arises out of purposeful interaction with the grace of God in Christ. Obedience is an essential outcome (John 13:34-35; 14:21)." -D.Willard (Revolution of Character, p.16)
Thanks Ben for this...I need it in my life. I pray that God will help me seek His glory, and that He will continue to help my life be a reflection of His glory.
ReplyDeleteIt is a travesty that so many Christians are seeking their own glory and wanting people to look at them and their ministries, instead of pointing to our Savior and seeking to give Him the glory.
Keep seeking His face. He tells us in James, that if we draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. May we seek to draw near Him.
Yes, in fact, there is great flack and opposition from many within the church (at Large) when you do wholeheartedly follow him and proclaim the gospel. May we fear God and not man and may be be glorified as we are transformed.
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