Devotional Classics

Ostrich, Chicken or Eagle?

2009-02-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

It's helpful to note that these paragraphs by de Sales are taken from his book, An Introduction to the Devout Life. And we're still in the "introductory" section of ouf book, so this fits well. But his introduction is to "the devout life." De Sales, in 3. Spiritual Agility, he helps us to see that God's grace can make us "pleasing" to him. As we are strengthened, ethically, morally, to "do good," he calls this charity. And when we are enabled to do good "carefully, frequently, and promptly," he calls this, "devotion."
Ostriches never fly; hens fly in a clumsy fashion, near the ground and only once in a while, but eagles...fly aloft, swiftly and frequently.

Francis de Sales

2009-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

I must say I'm amazed at the perspicuity of de Sales in my reading of 2. Phantoms of Devotion. This 16th century bishop has a real clear picture of how we each "paint devotion according to his own passions and fancies." Some of us consider ourselves "devout" because we don't drink, or recite vast numbers of prayers, or are generous to the poor, or are very forgiving. But in each example, de Sales shows how these virtures can be counterbalanced by e.g., not hesitating "to drink deep of his neighbor's blood by detraction and gossip." Or, forgiving enemies but never paying creditors. It seems like his message is focussed on the transformation of our life, not following various rules, regardless of how "spiritual" they might be. ~smo

A Sound Mind

2009-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I'm encouraged that Edwards quoted 2 Timothy 1:7 because of my experience years ago with folk who considered themselves more "fervent in spirit" than the rest of us. Paul says that God has given us a "spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind (sophronismou)." The word is translated variously as discipline, self-control, and self-discipline. "Sound mind" is from the King James, a notably literal translation. Years ago, as a freshman in a Bible College in Puerto Rico, there was another student who was so "fervent" he was always telling us less spiritual types that he "needed no man" to teach him, for he only listened to God. We students weren't sure how to respond to this, though some thought it sounded good (fewer books to read!). If I'd known the Bible better at the time, of course, (I Peter 5:5, Hebrews 13:7, 17) I would have known how to respond. But it did just seem silly and contrary to all reason, that one uneducated 20 year old had nothing to learn (nothing?) from 19 centuries of Christian brothers and sisters who had written down their thoughts, warnings and admonitions for our benefit.
I think when the Holy Spirit fills us and guides us, the fire and power are balanced by the love and "sophronismou," a sound mind. ~smo

"Woudlings"

2009-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

In the season of the year when many New Year's Resolutions die a slow but predictable death, it's interesting to read about Jonathan Edwards' coinage, wouldlings. Certainly a new term to me, but not a new concept to any of us, I wouldn't think. Playing on the term, worldlings, wouldlings refers to those "weak inclinations" as Edwards calls them. It does raise for us the question of intention, motivation, fervency of desire. My experience has been that wouldlings may not be as bad as Edwards would have us imagine. In spiritual growth, I've found that repetition counts for more than strength. I may not have the strength to overcome my sinful inclinations immediately, but if I take the long view, if I focus on what Eugene Peterson (The Message) calls "a long obedience in the same direction," I have more success. Think marathon instead of 100 yd dash. If I want to hike the whole Appalachian Trail, if I want to get from Georgia all the way to Maine, running is not going to help me. I'm going to have pack light, prepare, focus, and get up every day, every day, ready to walk another 10 miles. Fall down, get up. Get tired, keep going. Get lost, go back. Miss the fork, turn around. Fervency is wonderful. But it's not all we need.

Cost of NON Discipleship

2009-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

On page 16, Dallas Willard references Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Cost of Discipleship" (which we'll reach in about 9 months) to talk about the cost of non-discipleship. I think this is a very fruitful way to look at the issue. Discipleship is the opposite of "easy Christianity" or "cheap grace" as Bonhoeffer describes it. But Willard's notion of looking at the cost of non-discipleship reminds me of another's response to those who always bring up the problem of evil. This person asserted that the real problem, for the spiritual sceptic, is the problem of goodness. How explain such glories and heights of moral virtue that one does run into in this life? How explain self-sacrifice for others by perfect strangers? How explain, to get right down to it, that there is something rather than nothing?
Willard flips the normal categories and highlights the costs of non-discipleship, such as abiding peace, a life full of love, hopefulness in discouraging circumstances, etc. ~smo

Journaling

2009-01-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

How are those journals working out for each of you? There are 5 Reflection Questions and 4 Suggested Exercises this week in the Dallas Willard chapter. Between now and Sunday you could write your responses to Questions 1-5 and also Exercise #3. Bring those with you Sunday, and you may also want to post some things here. -smo

Definition of Disciple

2009-01-12T15:05:00.000-08:00

How do you like Willard's definition of "disciple?"
The disciple is one who, intent upon becoming Christlike and so dwelling in his "faith and practice," systematically and progressively rearranges his affairs to that end.

Dallas Willard

2009-01-12T12:14:00.000-08:00

I've never read Dallas Willard before, but he has some really good insights. E.g, "One is not required to be, or to intend to be, a disciple in order to become a Christian, and one may remain a Christian without any signs of progress toward or in discipleship." In as sense, this seems rather shocking, but in another way, it seems this is one of the central issues that brought our denomination into existence. What do you think? smo