More.
I read a post this week that has stuck with me a bit – and I wanted to lay them at your feet now, hopefully to do the same:
1. Knowing the Bible is not the same as knowing Christ.
2. Preaching sermons is not the same as loving people.
3. Teaching godliness is not the same as being godly.
4. Defending yourself is not the same as defending the gospel.**
Too often we’ve been satisfied with the bare minimum of knowledge or understanding.
— We can learn about God all we want – but until we submit – we will not know Him.
— We can listen to sermons about every hard topic (and the easy ones) and never once apply the Good News.
— We can tell everyone and anyone about godliness and how righteous we/they should be – but until we act upon it – that is, until it actually affects our behavior, it is folly.
— Being right does not mean we’re right. In other words, winning the argument does nothing to advance the Gospel. No, we do not bend truth, but we do value others before ourselves. The Gospel will not be spread if we continue to stand on pedestals.
Our hearts, souls, strength, and minds must be ready to submit fully to God. That looks like compassion, mercy, forgiveness, grace, justice, and righteousness at all times.
** John Piper, Desiring God