.jpg)
You
may recall last week that we launched this topic of “spiritual formation” off
of an article that James W. Thompson (who teaches at Abilene Christian
University) wrote entitled “Paul and Spiritual Formation.”
Thompson points out that “formation”
is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation
has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by
the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New
Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each
writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent
throughout the New Testament.
Last week we mentioned that in the first temptation Jesus responds to the
devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every
word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept
of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual
growth and formation.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus
challenges the audience to ask, seek, and knock. This will be rewarded with
answer given, search rewarded and the door opened. Though Jesus does not
elaborate on this, it appears to describe a spiritual movement of one’s heart,
mind and soul in pursuing God. As a result of the pursuit, God blesses with
divine growth and spiritual formation.
I suppose for each of us, the daily
challenge is to keep asking, seeking and knocking. That process alone is
formative and molds us more and more into the image of Christ. As God’s children
we ask from the One who loves and responds. As God’s lost and confused children
we seek His direction. As God’s children who seek refuge and safety, we knock
at the door of His very Presence. Let us persevere in this process of spiritual
formation!
To
God be the glory!
In
Christian love, Curtis
No comments:
Post a Comment