Wow! This is a terribly convicting quote, but one that really resonates with me right now. Seems that even Scotland in the 1800’s struggled with some of the same issues we face here in wonderful Suburbia of 2007. Pastor Robert Murray M’Cheyne says:
I am concerned for the poor, but more for you. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day…I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians, because they don not love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart; an old heart would rather part with its life-blood than its money. Oh my friends! Enjoy your money; make the most of it; give none away; enjoy it quickly for I can tell you, you will be beggars throughout eternity.
Ouch…
In the same breath…I received a poster from John Piper this week to promote his book Don’t Waste Your Life. All it said in big bold letters was “GOD SAVE US FROM THE AMERICAN DREAM.”
Thoughts on all this?
Timmy, I was just reading today's blog entrty and thought i would comment. as far as desiring god; when god reveals himself to us when we experience salvation he makes himself real and not just a name that is tossed around casaully in conversations. you yourself told me at one time that people often take the scripture " i will give you the desires of your hearts" to mean god will give us whatever we want. you also pointed out that if we are truly saved our desire will be for god. i was actually guilty of the first interpretation and not only with scripture but also the entire book of the bible. I was reading the bible and expecting material blessing. correct me if i am wrong, but the scriptures were inspired by the holy spirit and to read it in the flesh with our minds on the flesh we will miss what god is really trying to say. I know this doesnt sound like it is going anywhere, but i have a point. i have come to learn that as long as we are in these filthy bodies and as long as we are double minded human beings we will struggle with the issues that were presented by john piper and the quote from the man on giving. but at the same time we can not allow ourselves to desire the world or the things of it more than we desire god. for we know that "to depart and be with christ is far better" when we stop and truly look at ourselves and see how messed up we really are, we should thank god all the more for his grace. " o wretched man i am, who will deliver me from this body of death!" and the people said.....
ReplyDeleteAmen...Good thoughts here Nicholas. You should write your own blog. :)
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