Abiding in Christ
Observations/Reflections: Abiding in Christ
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 03/18/09
Written: 12/18/08
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin
I sense there is a way to achieve a more profound serenity. This serenity requires a deeper understanding of the meaning, "To abide in Christ." In my own experience, I have discovered a pervasive peace. Still I think this serenity is fuller, richer.
There is a danger; however, in that one must distinguish the difference between serenity and passivity.
A certain level of anxiety can stimulate an important proactive response. If one eliminates that internal tension, then one faces the danger of complacency, encouraging delayed, and therefore dangerous, action.
Pain has its critical place. It stimulates the survival response. If I touch the hot stove, pain protects me from extensive burns. So one must know how to embrace pain and yet maintain serenity.
Comments
Abiding in Christ is often discussed in terms of some kind of inner peace, serenity, etc. Yet I wonder how 'abiding in Christ' relates to themes in the NT that express how we are to work out our salvation in fear and trembling? Is abiding in Christ a peaceful/passive - mystical - experience or an inner, soul-aggressive desire that never rests because we are to strive to be worthy of the calling we have received?
I'm reminded by a Tozer quote I read one time; something like, "To have found God and still pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love. Scorned too easily by the satisfied religionist, but justified in happy experience by children of the burning heart."
KM
Posted by: Kraig McNutt | March 18, 2009 12:25 PM