Jun 22, 2010
The Theology of Head, Heart and Hands
Posted by Mitch Sliwa in Gospel Living - Theology | Comments (1)
At Sacred Journey we have been working through the book of Philippians at our Sunday gatherings. This book has tons of rich theology and practical teachings to help us live out the Christian faith. In this past Sundays meeting we covered a section in Philippians 4 which talked about not being anxious but instead adopting the posture of humility and going to God without our anxieties. Paul goes on to tell us to put into practice the things we have learned and received heard and seen in him. This brings up something very familiar to my own life and walk with Jesus.
There was a time and there are still times where I learn things during sermons, podcasts or even just when talking with my church family that I don't internalize deep into my heart and then successfully walk out in the daily grind. It is very easy to read books, listen to sermons and podcasts to the point of absurdity without actually doing the things we learn. Its also very easy to base our Christianity off how much we know and how easily we can articulate particular theological positions. I personally love to read egg head books and study abstract theological and philosophical ideas in scripture. What I struggle with is actually doing them.
Often times I learn things and it goes into my brain and I acquiesce to certain truths in the Bible. I can fully understand what the Bible is teaching, but sometimes it stops there and never goes into my heart. Because it never penetrated my hardened heart I never actually walk it out and do anything. It never translates from my head to my heart and then into my hands.
Before today, I had heard Philippians 4:6-7 quoted a million and one times. I know in my head that being anxious is not only stupid but also sinful because it shows a lack of faith. However, when I got fired from my job and the bills are due I began to struggle in my faith. In my head, I know that instead of being anxious over my current living situation I should seek first the kingdom of God and all of the material things I need will be given to me. I also know that instead of being a whiny baby and getting all anxious I should drop to my knees and ask God for help. I have demonstrated in my own life how easy it is to learn things in my head and have a mental assent to knowledge without it penetrating my heart. If the truths of scripture don't penetrate my heart then it will be impossible for me to live them out.
James actually speaks out about this in the second chapter of his letter. He clearly states that faith without works is a dead faith. Their are two kinds of faith in the Bible. There is a true faith which is manifested in working out what we believe and there is a dead faith that does not manifest good works. One faith leads to Jesus and the other leads to stone cold dead religion. I would encourage anyone reading this to strive hard after knowledge but to make sure it doesn't get stuck in between your ears. Pursue knowledge in conjunction with living out what you learn. Paul tells his Philippian audience that if they practice what they have heard and received that the God of peace will be with them.
Posted by Mitch Sliwa in Gospel Living - Theology
