Sometimes, being pithy is a good thing

March 13, 2005 · Filed Under theology

Now, I generally don’t like glib/pithy quotes when it comes to theological topics. I prefer my theological thoughts to be a bit more substantive; however, every so often a thought comes along that rings true and sounds good. Stealth Bible: TNIV offers up just such a quote in a recent entry: Will you fit your life into this Book or this Book into your life?

I very much recommend that you check out the full postings for the first two a series of short essays by a Presbyterian (PCA) youth minister on the general topic of Biblical “relevancy.” In addition to the gem above from the first entry, the second entry yields another gem in the form of this:

As a youth pastor, I believe it is essential for young people to get the Word “straight,” that is, without impurities or adulteries interjected by those who “know better.”

Inevitably, my ‘best’ classes and talks are when I give it straight to the kids; rather than heeding my own reputation, I “set myself on fire” as it were for the Gospel. I abandon the “packaging” and preach the straight truth. When I stop trying to shine it on, and lay it all on the table.

This is very, VERY good, insightful stuff. It speaks to something that I continually try to keep in mind, namely that God has given His Word to us, and has done so in a clear, straightforward, and easily understandable way (i.e., Holy Scriptures). That we do not understand it is NOT due in any way to either Him or His delivery mechanisms — rather, it’s due to our sinful state, wherein our minds cannot grasp the simple faith. No, we want to help. We want to do it ourselves. We are driven to it by our fallen state.

Thank God that we don’t have to. God has saved us from ourselves — i.e, from the sinful Old Adam that wants nothing more than to run & hide from God.

Yay!
-ghp