Self-discipline, Sin and Community

"Every act of self-discipline by a Christian is also a service to the community. Conversely, there is no sin in thought, word, or deed, no matter how personal or secret, that does not harm the whole community. When the cause of an illness gets into one’s body, whether or not anyone knows where it comes from, or in what member it has lodged, the body is made ill. This is the appropriate metaphor for the Christian community. Every member serves the whole body, contributing either to its health or to its ruin, for we are members of one body not only when we want to be, but in our whole existence. This is not a theory, but a spiritual reality that is often experienced in the Christian community with shocking clarity, sometimes destructively and sometimes beneficially."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

It was interesting looking at Life Together in bible study this term, and also cool that Tim Chester is providing more quotes from the book.

I don't think I realise how much my sin hurts the body of Christ, nor do I realise how much my righteousness helps it. While Jesus will always be the goal to be aimed for, I think understanding how I lives affect His body is a sober reminder to press on more zealously towards that goal :)

Today may be dark but tomorrow will not.

For the Love of God!

I haven't been disciplined with reading this year, so I've jumped on the For the Love of God bandwagon. It's been good. Encouraging and reminding me that I love reading the Bible.

"Shout for joy, O heavens;
rejoice, O earth;
burst into song, O mountains!
For the LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones."
Isaiah 49:13

David Brainerd

My soul blessed God for what he is in himself, and adored him, that he ever would display himself to creatures. I rejoiced that he was God, and longed that all should know it, and feel it, and rejoice in it. Lord, glorify thyself,' was the desire and cry of my soul. Oh that all people might love and praise the blessed God; that he might have all possible honour and glory from the intelligent world!

For a long time now I've been reading The Life of David Brainerd. I'm almost done. I don't think I've found anyone more challenging to my objections against going on mission.

Ordination

One of my friends gets ordained at church on Sunday. He was struck by the enormity of the laying on of hands. Every single person who puts their faith in God throughout history gives you the charge - Preach the Word! From Abraham of Ur, to Abraham Piper. All Christians everywhere call you to minister faithfully, trusting fully in the Saviour.

Here's some words from past Christians that have encouraged me:

"You… strengthened me saying "that Christ died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died". See, Lord, I cast my cares upon You that I may live and "see wonderful things in Your law". You know my lack of knowledge and my infirmities; teach me, and heal me. He, Your only Son, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge", has redeemed me with His blood. "Let not the arrogant oppress me", because I meditate on my redemption and eat and drink and share it…" - St Augustine of Hippo

"Two things I remember; I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great Saviour!" - John Newton

"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." - C.S. Lewis

"I repent of ever having recorded one single song, and ever having performed one concert, if my music, and more importantly, my life has not provoked you into Godly jealousy or to sell out more completely to Jesus!" - Keith Green