19 Apr 06
Here’s the statement that plunged me into yesterday’s thought stream.
Doctrine is a wonderful servant and a horrible master.
We’ve certainly been reminded of this truth in many painful ways.
I’ve tried without success to track down where I heard the following idea because surely I didn’t come up with something this creative!
I would rather miss a doctrine of Christ than the disposition of Christ.
For you see, I can miss a doctrinal point for many legitimate reasons. Yes, it is possible to be wrong. If I miss the disposition of Christ it is because I have chosen to do so. The Bible says:
In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5 NCV)
The NASB says “have this attitude in yourself.” The Greek word carries the implication to be mentally disposed. In other words decide to think and act like Christ Jesus.
I’m not saying we should choose the disposition (character) of Christ over the doctrine (teachings) of Christ - for the teachings of Christ inculcate within me the character of Christ. I am saying we should always choose the disposition (character) of Christ over the doctrines (teachings) of our church tradition.
On a daily basis I am consistently challenged to make visible the teachings of Christ through my effort to emulate the character of Christ. At the check out line, at the gas station, on the freeway or working with a bunch of monkeys my effective witness for Christ is when others see my acting like Christ.
The issue will not be how right was I, how many debates did I win? The issue will be how well did I reproduce the lifestyle of Jesus in myself and in others.
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I have tried now 3 times to post a comment. First time, I had it all done, and the pesky word verification made it go away. Then I tried to reconstruct my thoughts and got interrupted by pesky work. Maybe the third time will be a charm.
All my profound thoughts have escaped me, so I’ll just say that I have tremendous respect for the reformers of old, those in the past and the present who teach and preach to me, and for most of those who hold to the “old paths,” as well as those who attempt to propel us forward into new thoughts. I really believe each generation does the best they can do and, for the most part, that it is all done with the sincerest of hearts and best of intentions.
It’s when we try to reproduce yesterday’s cultural models into today’s culture and call that doctrine that we get into trouble.
Judy: One of our former elders reads these blogs and commented to me yesterday he didn’t have any idea who you are, but he sure did appreciate your spirit and your willingness to consider viewpoints that differ from your tradition. Though you don’t blog as such, you are having an impact on others by your sweet spirit!
Thanks, Greg. Your kind words (and his) sure lifted up my day.
I’ve been thinking along these lines lately. I want people to get into the Word, but I want them to know WHY they are getting into the Word. Not to win arguments and not to know what’s “right.” I want them to know Jesus better so they can love him more, feel his love more, and be more like him.
You are playing at the very core of what discipleship is all about. It is not just figuring out all the right answers, it is taking those things and using them to help you become like the one you are following. When the focus is on becoming like Christ, doctrine takes care of itself.
Great post Randy.
I can think of several encounters I’ve had with folks who stated that they “hated error” and their disposition intimated that they “hated” me as well.