Take a careful look at this quote:
"The ease of convenience deludes us into valuing the end and not the means, of caring only for the product and not the process. Our busyness and commitment to convenience keep us from engaging in vital processes that inform us of our beginning and guide us to our end, just as they contribute to a general amnesia about what it takes to put food on our tables. Our consumer conveniences often sever us from our vital connections; we forget from whence we have come and to where we are going. We look for the quick fix or the short-cut to the end goal, rather than journeying through many arduous processes essential in our spiritual formation."
As I read this I reflect on the term 'Chronological Snobbery' where we think new is always better. I have been patiently listening and observing leadership in the country and in particular in the church over the past several years and I am going to be brutally frank. I conclude that the intellectual and spiritual depth necessary to lead the church out of this Laodicean age is woefully lacking. We have become lazy in our thinking and personal devotion and so anything goes because the end now justifies the means. We are no longer willing to make sacrifices, we will serve God on our terms. So the solution to the Laodicean age is more gimmicks, and more freedom to do as we please.
I heard Joyce Meyers advertising her book this morning and here is a verbatim quote "What we need is a revolution not a revival to get rid of the old and bring in the new." Do you hear and see the chronological snobbery? There are a number of things wrong with this statement but I will point out two.
- Revolution is a force that when it is set in motion in order to continue and not become a spent force it feeds on itself.
- Are we suggesting that the Old is always not good and should be jettisoned?
Every superstucture must sit on a foundation, so before we build we must test the foundation. If the foundation will be unable to bear up the superstructure then we need to go back to the chief architect for the new design instead of doing our own design. Afterall this is not our building, it is God's building. This is a time of more Prayer and Fasting until God gets back where he ought to be, at the TOP.
Pax Vobiscum <
Robert A. Stewart
The idea of being involved in a process usually irks many. We like the results but not the work. I have found that things that made me sweat was more enjoyable than gifts (for which I was thankful and appreciated as it saved me some work). It reminded me of setting up my house. When I got married there was only a bed in the house. Over time we bought most items that sre currently there. That makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the relevance? We all want a revival but we are unwilling to pay and pray the price. The personal, family and church intimacy with God in at an all time low. I agree with Elder the foundational things are missing. We have substituted holy living and tenets of the faith for activities and appearances. Personally I grew in faith when I got up at 5 to pray and read my bible for an hour. We all want a vibrant church but refuse work for it. Everybody is waiting for someone else to do it. May the Lord help us.
Naomi