Stuck Saints
Theme of the Week: Stalled? Or Growing?
Dwight Carlson
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: You have been Christians a long time now, and … ought to be teaching others. Instead … you are like babies (Hebrews 5:12).Bonus Reading: Heb. 5:12-6:1
Harold is a structural engineer who knows his Bible and leads a Bible study at work. He is known for his black-and-white answers to complex problems and his strong opinions about religious and political issues. Harold recently lost a fair sum on some stock. Now he struggles with whether he can "rightfully" subtract 10 percent of the loss from his tithe. Harold has no idea he's stuck in "believe-right" theology.
Jake, a draftsman in the same company, is convinced that every believer must "contend for the faith." His colleagues peg Jake as contentious. His gracious, giving wife, Ann, has suffered from severe depression most of their married life and required professional counseling, which she found "very helpful." But she'll probably stop the therapy because Jake badgers her, saying, "If you'd just trust Jesus and obey the Scriptures, you wouldn't need counseling."
A fellow in the company wants to join their Bible study. But the newcomer doesn't believe in "eternal security." So Jake doesn't want him to attend, for fear he'll influence the younger Christians. Jake is unaware that he's taken on the role of an "Expert Christian."
—Dwight Carlson in Overcoming the 7 Obstacles to Spiritual Growth
My Response: What is deficient about Harold and Jake's grasp of scriptural truth?
Thought to Apply: I am not what I ought to be, want to be, or hope to be, but by the grace of God I am not what I was.—JOHN NEWTON (Slave trader turned minister)
Adapted from Overcoming the 7 Obstacles to Spiritual Growth (Harvest, 2006) by permission.
Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Don't let me plateau in my spiritual development, Lord. Keep me growing and make me fruitful.
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