Don't you love it when you sit down to have a quiet time and God gives you exactly what you needed? Yesterday I read another day's devotional in the book called My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. It talked about how knowing Christ is so much more valuable than knowing scripture. When I stopped to think about how true that statement was it made me see having quiet times in a totally different light. I don't pick up my Bible so that I can say "hey I know this verse and I know all about this book in the Bible," but even though my goal is to get to know Christ better than I did each time I pick up my Bible to have a quiet time, it was never in my mind just how important it was to have that personal relationship compared to just knowing scripture. I think probably most Christians think the same way: as long as I'm getting more knowledge then I'm doing okay, right? Yes it's great to get more knowledge so you have a solid foundation of truth to stand on when adversity comes your way, but knowing Christ is so much more important. Think of it this way, when you are witnessing to someone (sharing your faith) and you start throwing out scripture that's all it becomes. Most of the time when all you are talking about is what Jesus did in the new testament or what God did in the old Testament it brings up more questions then answers, especially to a new believer. But when you share your relationship with Christ people start to see and understand 'real life' application of Jesus and the miracles He works in us everyday.
Don't let yourself lose sight of the true goal and that's Christ. If your goal is to know Christ more everyday then you will find that your love for Him will become deeper every day, ultimately giving you all the tools you need to share your faith. When you grow with Christ you "grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man" Luke 2:52 which is what we should be aspiring to each day. Share the Gospel and use scripture to make points to back up your own personal relationship with Christ because if using scripture is all you do and don't share your relationship with Christ then you've missed the goal completely.
About Me
- Kevin
- Maryville, Missouri, United States
- I'm an English Major at Northwest Missouri State.
1 comment:
Well put, Kev. More and more, I'm convinced that you will never convince, or talk someone into believing in Christ. It has to be a movement by the Holy Spirit in softening their heart and opening their eyes, not well spoken evangelism. More than that, I think people will notice the difference in our lives. Our life should be radically transformed and constantly changing, constantly growing closer to Christ.
However, I think we have to be careful here, too. There is a delicate balance (that the Spirit knows) in sharing your life/testimony and scripture. God's word will not return void, and many times scripture can be planted in a nonbeliever's heart. Other times, it will bounce. But that's not up to us how we "tailor" the gospel. Let the Spirit do His work through you. And that comes with knowledge of the Word, but placing it in the Spirit's hand to use as He wishes.
Great post, man.
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