Either/Or Fallacies
Theme of the Week: Spiritual Balance
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Don't be childish in your understanding of these things. … be mature and wise (1 Corinthians 14:20). Bonus Reading: Luke 11:37-42
Some believers emphasize attending retreats for a fresh peak of awareness and commitment. But it's more than "letting go and letting God." The process of growth towards maturity is primarily your responsibility and should be happening 365 days a year. "Let the Holy Spirit fill and control you" (Ephesians 5:18) is a scriptural imperative. But so is "Let the words of Christ … live in your hearts" (Colossians 3:16).
Some maintain that a half-hour quiet time is indispensable. They insist on planning everything in detail. Others feel that such disciplines are a devilish restriction of freedom, a temptation to rely on the flesh rather than the Spirit. I've heard several (rather bad) sermons for which the preacher felt it was unspiritual to prepare. Yet both messages are in the Bible. There's a time to step out in faith that things will work out—sometimes we have no choice; but there's also a place for using the wits God gave us.
Some Christians so emphasize the anointing of the Spirit that they insist Bible schools, and careful teaching are of the Devil. What nonsense! We desperately need trained theologians, pastors, and missionaries who are humble, broken, and filled with the Spirit.
—George Verwer in No Turning Back
My Response: An "either/or" I need to start viewing as a "both/and" is …
Thought to Apply: Scripture nowhere condemns the acquisition of knowledge. It's the wisdom of this world, not its knowledge, that is foolishness with God.—H. A. IRONSIDE
Adapted from No Turning Back (Tyndale, 1983) by permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
Lord, I realize that Satan would love to switch me off on some siding. Please keep me on the mainline of Your will for me.
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