Core Theology and DIY?

If you're not willing to think deeply, skip this short piece or come back later when you are. It is deep and profound because of two such quotes from a wise and deeply committed follower of Jesus.

The very word "theology" worries, frets and sometimes gets discarded by atheists, agnostics and professing Christians alike. Why?

Of course it's easy and not altogether without reason to point at the whacked/extreme "Christians" in history, the leaders and congregations that brought disdain to the name of Christ as well as regarding intellectuals who in all of these camps sit on thrones of judgment while often ignoring the very God they write and talk about.

Is it personal? Let's face it, for many it's ALL about them and their judgment.

Sin in ALL of us is one of the major issues. Then again, the very meaning of "theology" is the study of God and if that's an issue in itself dear reader let me say this clearly:

Do-it-yourself theology is as old as the Book of Genesis. Humans have routinely brought their own ideas to any concept of God -and the reality is Jesus, His 12 apostles (consider Judas no less) and the vast majority of people through the ages spent zero time in secular schools of higher learning studying religion much less Bible schools and/or seminaries. So do it yourself spirituality re. personal experience, an individual's sense of revelation and private or shared Bible and/or other "spiritual" study yoked with tradition (be it old or new tradition mind you) along with a a few favored teachers and preachers sums what we believe about God.

Jesus Himself as God in the flesh and as a young boy studying Torah, etc. as many believers throughout history did study, but you get my points above regarding the lion's share of Christ-followers in history.

Having said all this, I've been meditating on two incredibly simple-yet-profound statements by the late A.W. Tozer I'd like my readers to consider. But first, one of my favorite Christian quotes, the sum of the very first response to the first point in the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "Man's [humankind's] chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever." As I've often said, I think they got that right! Whom you truly love you glorify and enjoy.

On to A.W. Tozer's quotes:

1) "The highest knowledge of God is to know that we are eternally loved."

2) "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him."

On his sense about knowledge- many of us have spent a lifetime grasping the truth that "God so loved the world that He gave" -with US in mind as individuals. That you and I such as we are are indeed deeply and eternally loved by the One and Only, Holy God, that HE is our Father who seeks us when we are prodigals just as when we sit in His lap so to speak... that whether we shrink to the worst level of human beings or authentically worship the Father, Jesus Christ God the Son, the Holy Spirit "in spirit and in truth" -well, this takes faith indeed.

Jesus' words in John 3.16 and 17 shout God's love for us as do reams of verses in both Testaments but to actually trust we are "eternally loved" as a core sum of all theological teaching about Jesus Christ often takes a lifetime to fully believe -when we are honest about how much we fail to live out the character much less commands of Jesus. This much I know: I can trust the Perfect, never-can-lie God and His Word far beyond mere trust in my self!

On knowing?

"But let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know Me, that I am the LORD; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the LORD." -Jer. 9.24

Paul writes "I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." -Col. 2.2.3

Then on to Tozer's second quote here...

As we begin and then go on to maturity in believing God's eternal love for us, even us, it follows that we recognize true satisfaction comes only from knowing and following Him as closely as we can.

Every good and perfect gift (writes James in his Book) comes from God... Paul asks "What have you been given that is not a gift" and so on throughout God's Word.

So why are we rarely if ever satisfied? We seek so many things and so much that has little to do with seeking God Himself for Himself. Thus "idolatry" is also easy to come by.

Consider satisfaction in these few scriptures:

"All things are wearisome; more than one can express; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing." -Ecc. 1.8

"For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things." -Ps. 107.9

Then Paul's all-encompassing statement/admonition... twice:

1 Cor. 10.31- "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God."

Col. 3.17- "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

If you think about it- and several English translations take us to this, the issue of "the name of the Lord" and indeed "giving thanks" focuses on glorifying God. The focus is on -Him-.

I think Tozer's on to something true and real as he claims in essence that our satisfaction when truly "in and about HIM" is what satisfies God most. He created us for Himself above all others, things, even our self. First-love indeed. Next, He is totally clear that how we treat others is how we treat Him (eg. Jesus' words in Matthew 25) -but that we must worship no. other.!!!

I believe a genuine interaction in faith with the Holy Spirit is essential to bring us -more- than a mere intellectual or d.i.y. (apart from God...) revelation and experience with loving and satisfaction in Him. This goes beyond intellect or doctrine as Tozer is talking about the nature of God and the nature of a mature follower of Jesus in his words.

God give us sense and focus on You, then to see and hear more as You do in direct regard to how you command us to treat one another, your daughters and sons by birth -and the second birth in Christ!

In my view THESE are core theological truths and values we do not have to miss in our daily life on earth. Let us press on to know and love, glorify Him and serve one another!

If you are chronically unsatisfied perhaps you're beginning to understand why.

And as always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn