As a pastor-in-training, I have the privilege of being required to read the history of godly preachers of years past. We're currently reading "Revival and Revivalism", by Ian Murray. In it, Murray profiles various leaders in the first and second Great Awakening in America. As I read, I often struggle to battle against a sense of inadequacy. My spiritual life is so small and tepid compared to these men.
And yet, Murray's treatment of the men is indeed very helpful, and encouraging (despite myself). He doesn't talk about their personal disciplines. He doesn't discuss the "mechanics" of each man's success. Instead, he explains very simply,
"They appeared to men not so much as eloquent preachers but as Christians for whom fellowship with God was a living experience. The evidence of their personal papers abundantly confirms the truth of that impression. Their work was not their first business. They aimed to live near to Christ. To know him in private was more important than to speak for him before men."
It's easy for me to get caught up in all the things that I'm supposed to be and do, when really what is of first importance is to know God and walk with Him. All the other stuff is secondary, but to "live near Christ" is of primary importance.
Do you live near Christ? Do you care?
No comments
Post new comment