“The best way to overcome the world is not with morality or self-discipline. Christians overcome the world by seeing the beauty and excellence of Christ. They overcome the world by seeing something more attractive than the world: Christ.” ~ Thomas Chalmers
“What each one honors before all else, what before all things he admires and loves, this for him is God.” ~ Origen
While the author ensures we understand that we don’t make Jesus attractive (He already is), he seeks to remind us that when someone truly encounters the beauty of the Christ, the lesser gods of this world aren’t nearly as attractive. All of the earthly gifts God gives can be for our good and are meant to be enjoyed, but they make terrible gods.
John Calvin once observed, “Man’s nature is a perpetual factory of idols.” We should instead, as disciples being transformed by the Holy Spirit, help others see the wonder of our awesome God and the gospel of His Son… and the deficiency of all our lesser gods. Checked on the locale of your treasure lately?
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- My Treasure (thechristiangazette.wordpress.com)
- What Do You Treasure? (christianitymatters.com)
- Evangelism, Proclamation and Treasure Hunts (christthetruth.wordpress.com)
- You Need Jesus (kswpgoodfriends.wordpress.com)
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mtsweat
My Pastor just gave me this book. After reading this snippit I’m anxious to start reading it. Thanks!
Marie @ http://asatisfiedspirit.com
It is indeed a good friend who turned you on to this piece. I must warn though, it is one of those bitter-sweet writes. It’s challenging, even life-wrecking at times, but as the author brings us to an authentic view of the gospel, it is to open the door to what discipleship looks like in a transformed life… a life in Christ. Thanks for swinging by and blessings to you today.
Thanks Mike for highlighting that we must become less so Jesus in us can shine His light through us , we must put our evil flesh to death that puts our own selfish needs first and we do this by choosing to walk in Love by The Holy Spirits empowering and not out of fear but because of Love for the Lord and others.
Christian Love from both of us – Anne.
Very well said, good friends. Change that works from the inside out… “the love of Christ compels us.” Blessings
Thank you for sharing, and God bless you.
Thanks Scott, blessings to you also.