I Could Not Exist at All!

Perhaps we do not ponder the reality of our own personal existence as often as we should. The early apologist, Augustine, left for Christian posterity his own questions reflecting such a pondering. In Book I.2, here is the conclusion he draws after posing agonizing questions trying to figure his own existence:

“So, then, I should be null and void and could not exist at all, if you, my God, were not in me.” [Augustine, Confessions. Penguin Classics, page 22]

          The meaning and purpose of our individual existence is made real because God is in us. Not only are we made in His image, but His actual being and presence is in us. Christ is in us. And the Holy Spirit is in us. T

          This is more than just the “breath of life” being breathed into us. We are a living soul, and when we are in covenant relationship with God, He is in us. Listen to how John the apostle expressed it in his later years…

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them”( 1 John 4:16).

We can elaborate on Augustine’s conclusion when we bring the Apostle John into the conversation. Not only do we not exist at all unless God is in us, but neither can we have love for others, and express love for others unless God lives in us.

God lives in us! What in incredible thing to think about. No empirical test nor sophisticated argument can negate this transcendent reality! God, other than us, becomes God in us! We are the pinnacle of God’s creation, and I suspect that one of God’s greatest delights is to dwell within His people! His greatest desire is to love His people, and to see His people love him.

          One thing for sure…I could not exist at all without God! Does my life of love demonstrate that dependency?

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (4)

This will be the last installment at this point regarding spiritual formation in the New Testament letters. It dawned on me this morning that all 27 books of the New Testament canon would have a different and unique perspective on growing spiritually.

We have already looked at Matthew somewhat, which would be representative of the Synoptics. John’s gospel provides a unique look at this. For example, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (6:35).  Feasting and drinking as Jesus offers himself is key to the entire idea of spiritual formation. It is knowing to whom we must go, and for what we must go that defines the journey of growth.

A good example of a book’s unique angle is also seen in Acts. For example, we read, “Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers” (Acts 9:31). All through the book of Acts emphasis is placed upon the fact that spiritual growth is in a body-of-believers context. The Holy Spirit causes this growth, and its power and effect is seen in interpersonal relationships and their quality. Peace is enjoyed and everyone is built up and encouraged. Additionally, the element of reverential awe for the work of God and basking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit defines the blessings enjoyed. When the Spirit works this way, the body increases.

Space and time limits what we can do with this topic. But think of how Romans, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and  Philemon all treat this subject. Especially think of how the non-Pauline books of the rest of the New Testament add their own flavor to spiritual growth: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, Jude and Revelation.

As you can readily see, the definition, experience, metaphors, perspectives and observations on spiritual growth are myriad in the New Testament. I challenge all of us in our daily readings to be open to what we learn about growing more and more like Jesus Christ to the glory of the Father for the sake of others!

In Christian love, Curtis