Here's an evolving thought.
I think Stanley Tam's message this weekend packed a punch because it was backed up by so much life. Ninety-three years to be exact. He has such a simple faith. But that simple faith has yielded amazing fruit. By the way, one of the things he said over the dinner table was this: "God hasn't rewarded Abraham yet because his seed is still multiplying." That'll preach.
As I listened to him speak and shared a meal I found myself wanting to be more like him. I'm guessing lots of people want his money. I want his faith. It all came together at the end of the weekend in this thought: if you want to get closer to God get close to people who are closer to God than you are. In other words, hang out with some Stanley Tams.
Let me couple that thought with another thought. Keep learning. But most of us are educated way beyond the level of our obedience already. We don't need another sermon. We don't need another service. I think what we really need is a relationship with someone who is far away from God.
I think that combination--getting close to someone who is closer to God than we are and getting close to someone who is far away from God--is one secret to spiritual growth. It's the two-sided coin. Or to put it another way, we all need a Paul and a Saul.
I think Stanley Tam's message this weekend packed a punch because it was backed up by so much life. Ninety-three years to be exact. He has such a simple faith. But that simple faith has yielded amazing fruit. By the way, one of the things he said over the dinner table was this: "God hasn't rewarded Abraham yet because his seed is still multiplying." That'll preach.
As I listened to him speak and shared a meal I found myself wanting to be more like him. I'm guessing lots of people want his money. I want his faith. It all came together at the end of the weekend in this thought: if you want to get closer to God get close to people who are closer to God than you are. In other words, hang out with some Stanley Tams.
Let me couple that thought with another thought. Keep learning. But most of us are educated way beyond the level of our obedience already. We don't need another sermon. We don't need another service. I think what we really need is a relationship with someone who is far away from God.
I think that combination--getting close to someone who is closer to God than we are and getting close to someone who is far away from God--is one secret to spiritual growth. It's the two-sided coin. Or to put it another way, we all need a Paul and a Saul.
5 Comments:
Isn't that life's true balance Mark;receiving from the wisdom the Spirit puts in our paths through people like Stanley Tam, while turning to fill the cup of others who have yet to hook their hearts to God's, or are new on the path.
The only way to really basque in the Spirit's work in us, is in sharing from the overflow of the Spirit in us, pouring out to others.
Our Paul's and Saul's, Jesus grant us more of each.What could be more natural, more sweet?
This is yet another reason I homeschool. It is my privilege to mentor and teach my children. Because we all start far away from God. Discipling is more than a Sunday sermon - it's living together like Jesus did with his followers. God gives us an automatic start with children. I want my seed to keep multiplying too! Good word.
Excellent thought. Agree 100%. Just last week I had a terrific growing moment with a Saul in my life. Pursuing the balance is well worth the results.
that is so good--build relationships with people close to GOD (discipleship) and away from GOD (evangelism). thanks for that!
Absolutely great- some very wise thoughts here.
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