Which is better, to be known first by your boundaries or by your core values?
Some Christians and churches argue that the most important thing is to be known by your boundaries and they determine who is in and who is out based on certain behaviors or beliefs that are either inside or outside the boundary. So, for example, when the subject of sin comes up they assume that the most important thing is to declare who is or isn't in sin based on certain standards of behavior. Because of this, they make sure to keep their "fences" well maintained. They want everyone to know first and foremost what is acceptable and what isn't. Spiritual growth is measured primarily in decreasing amounts of sin in one's life.
Other Christians and churches argue that its better to be known for their core values. Instead of dwelling on who is in and who is out, they focus on how close one is to the center, which is Jesus Christ. In this way, they understand the issue of spiritual growth not to be first and foremost about measuring decreasing sin levels, but about measuring increasing levels of Christ in one's life. Because of this, they make sure to emphasize that to grow one must keep close to the "well." The "well of Christ" must be at the center of one's life and growth only occurs when one stays close to the well.
Now, here is the issue I am thinking about: both of these Christians and churches, whether they emphasize "fences" or "wells," are trying to understand what it really means to be a follower of Jesus. Both are taking sin very seriously. Both are also taking spiritual growth very seriously. Neither is "liberal" or "conservative" simply because of the approach they take. In other words, neither side is looking for some kind of "quick fix" or "free ride." They seem to me to largely be approaching the issue from two different angles.
How do you see it? Is it better to measure spiritual growth by "fences" or "wells?"
Which do you think is more important when trying to share the Gospel with someone who has no knowledge of God or Scripture, but who is seeking spiritual things?
Which approach do you believe will better help you to pursue a life of holiness in Christ?
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ReplyDeleteHSM, ok, think I have learned something.Some have said they do not use this because it is too hard to sign in. By using "anonymous" ..goes right through..I have just tried it and it really works...see comment above.So just sign in at the beginning,and use anonymous for profile at the end..so easy. Will be funny if it doesn't work again.
ReplyDeleteLove this concept! Who informed your thinking? I need to read more on this.
ReplyDeleteHSM wrote...What great thoughts,last two weeks have been so special..really something to think about. The second question at the end of the latest article reminded me of a quote from the book UN christian. The quote from an article by Andy Stanley says,"If we were able to rewrite the script for the reputation of Christianity, I think we would put the emphasis on developing relationships with non believers, serving them,loving them,and making them feel accepted. Only then would we earn the right to share the gospel." Think we would all agree, given time to think about that. Actually, in thinking about these things, in general, seems that if we are busy with this sort of thing, we would have much less time to concern ourselves with the "fences" and "wells." Did not mean to imply that I don't understand ..I know these are very important issues to many people and I suppose to what different churches emphasize? Think we could stay on this subject longer, or maybe I am the only one who has spent a life time thinking and wondering about some of these things?
ReplyDeleteGood comments everyone . . . I read about these concepts for the first time in a book called Deep Church by Jim Belcher. It is a wonderful look at the differences and similarities from the traditional and emergent churches.
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