You can thank John C and his King James Version for that. I've been thinking about posting some thoughts after our discussion in 1 John 2:9-11. Those verses basically say that we can't hate our brothers and sisters and walk in the light. If we make a habit of doing so, we walk in darkness, i.e. not with God, i.e. with the devil. We discussed how "hate" has a much more broad meaning that we tend to think of it having. We may say we don't hate anyone, but do we disrespect others? belittle? hold grudges? Things like that are examples of "active hate".
One other form is more passive, and probably more common and more dangerous to Christians - indifference. How many people do we pass by because we just don't care, or maybe we make a judgment call as to whether they really deserve whatever we have to offer (financial help, physical help, our friendliness, our testimony). John C's email reference to 1 John 3:17 is where the title came from. It speaks to this very thing: "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" Ok, so the bowels thing is where I got the title (you can substitute heart there). In all seriousness though, how many people in need do we overlook or make a decision not to help because our heart is not in the right place?
Our discussion centered around whether something should be done if it's not heartfelt or genuine. I think we were talking specifically about personal contact and/or sharing Christ, but it applies in a broader sense. I happened to be reading "The Dangerous Duty of Delight" by John Piper on Monday, and he addresses that subject. He writes that he is often asked what a Christian should do when cheerfulness of obedience is not there (see genuine). His answer is not that we should simply do what we know we should do because our feelings don't matter. Instead he gives these three steps -
- Confess your sin of joylessness and acknowledge the coldness of your heart. Don't say your feelings don't matter. (Psalm 61:2)
- Pray earnestly that God would restore the joy of obedience. (Psalm 40:8)
- Do whatever the duty is in hopes that doing so will restore the delight
This discussion certainly hits me personally. I often am indifferent toward those in need, thinking someone else will take care of them, or at times judgmental in wondering if they are truly in need. That ranges from something as small as welcoming a newcomer at church (they need to feel welcomed) to a needy family member to the guy on the side of the road asking for work.
I'm thankful for a God that will hear my confession of a cold heart and forgive my wretchedness. I'm thankful that by His grace and mercy he still calls me to duty, however large or small. I'm thankful that He promises to turn that duty into delight.Chronically (spiritually) constipated, but set free in Christ,
John
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