The scripture passage that went with today's topic is Philippians 2:12-13 which says,
12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
In this topic, Nasser speaks of how we set rules to dictate our behavior. As Christians, especially early on, setting rules is important. Otherwise, we might keep doing the same sinful things that were done before becoming a Christian. However, if rules is ALL your Christianity is about, you can become hardened. Not saying rules are bad, but if we live but these preset notions and do's and don'ts, we can certainly became legalistic or Pharisaical. Nasser brings up how Jim Elliot, know Christian who died while on missions, had a rigid set of rules for his life that worked until he went to college and realized he had lived his life by a set of don'ts. By following a set a rules and sticking with them, one can become prideful because they have followed them.
A practical illustration can be found in my life. I made a commitment when I became a Pastor to not watch any R rated movies. Now, this was something I wanted to do for me. I remember when I was younger, in youth group, hearing about being an example. What would my youth think if they saw me coming out of one of these movies? Now, not all rated R movies are rated R because they are bad. The Passion of the Christ was rated R. But regardless, I did this for me. HOWEVER, when my Christian friends, or even other pastors I know go to one, I can't help but secretly, and sometimes not so secretly think less of them. Why? Because they didn't stick to MY RULE. Is it fair for me to compare them to me? Whether a person should or shouldn't see something is between them and God, after all God is the one who convicts and the one who judges.
When the Holy Spirit works in us, he gives us a MAP as Nasser says. Mystery, Adventure, and Passion. Mystery is that no matter what we do, we could do all the right things, follow all the "rules" we have created but that doesn't make us good Christians. Only the Holy Spirit, can guide direct and make Christ's life flow through us. The Adventure is how God uses us in spite of our sin, our pride, or lack of humility. And finally Passion. The Holy Spirit reminds us of what God has done for us. How God has looked out for us, provided us grace and forgiveness, and instilled us with His strength and power. Just saying that wells up Passion in me!
On this road we call life, we must remember our role vs. God's. God is God, and our role...to FOLLOW HIM!
I pray those of you who are Christian would be welled up with the spirit of God in you! For those of you not saved, I pray you take a look into the Mystery, Adventure, and Passion that comes with a relationship with Christ!
Stay tuned for Day 7!
-Brian
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