Just as the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia has signs about dangerous curves or cliffs ahead, encouraging you to slow down, I also want to offer some caution signs about our own spiritual rhythms. Let me share about the dangerous cliffs of a moralistic, mechanistic, magic, or motivational approach to spiritual disciplines:
The moralistic cliff: This approach to spiritual disciplines is committed to do them “because it’s the right thing to do,” and it probably gives you brownie points with God and it definitely gives you brownie points with others…and maybe even a leadership position in the church. This was the approach of the Pharisees and Sadducees who sought these things to gain approval with God and the applause of others.
The mechanistic cliff: This comes from a heart that- whether knowingly or unknowingly- is still focused on building their own kingdom. The thought process is, “If I read and pray more, God will give me what I long for,” which is usually the advancement of my personal and comfortable kingdom.
The magic cliff: This has less to do with engaging God and more of a general sense of “If I read and pray, something good will happen today; if I don’t read and pray, something awful will happen today.” That’s magical thinking, as if some little trolls are watching and are just aching to wreak havoc unless they see you stuffing your face in Scripture!
The motivational cliff: We live in a day where you are the center of the universe and your feelings are of ultimate value. This approach looks to Scripture and prayer for a good word and a great feeling that will make me feel good about me as I go out and conquer the world and make a name for myself. Scripture is God's gift to you and for you, but it is not ultimately about you. It's about him.
In View of God’s Mercies: Communing with God
All of these are cliffs to be avoided. However, if you drive carefully past them, you’ll see another sign that says “Overlook Ahead.” There are plenty of parking spots and there’s even a place that is built out over the cliff so that you can easily walk and get a 180-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s breathtaking as you gaze at the beauty.
In Romans 12, Paul begins to apply the gospel by saying, “In view of God’s mercies…” (Rom. 12:1 NIV). In other words, every day the Spirit is nudging your heart to slow down a little, take some time to pull over, and enjoy the view of God’s mercy in Scripture, Prayer, and Worship.
This is not a moralistic, mechanistic, magic, or motivational view. This is a means of grace perspective on these rhythms of relationship. In other words, these specific spiritual practices are avenues through which we commune with God and through which he showers us with the grace of his presence, promises, and power. They are the means through which your heart’s hunger is satisfied and your thirst is assuaged.
Comments