I recently posted a blog titled “Plutarch Got It Right.” My motive was to provoke thinking about Christian discipleship. I used this quote from Plutarch, a Greek essayist, to stir the pot: “A mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited.”
Some of you agreed with the premise, while others took exception that I quoted a philosopher. Whether or not you sided with the idea, I’m glad it inspired discussion on following Christ. Thanks for the feedback.
Before the point grows stale here’s something to consider along side it. I’m attaching a brief sermon delivered at the North Boulevard church a few days ago. The speaker is John York. The central thesis of his message is contained in the question posed at the top of this blog.
Please take a few minutes to listen and consider. Paste the sermon link into your browser:
http://www.northboulevardfamily.com/worship/audio/ Then click on “August 22, 2010 ‘Listen to ‘Eyes on Jesus.’ ”
How do you respond to the question?
This sermon does a great job of challenging us to see that Jesus has called us to a way of living, not a system of beliefs to be argued or a set of rules. John York notes that the imagery of Hebrews 12 is athletic competition, especially a long-distance race. Such demands discipline. As my wife and I are preparing to run The Middle Half (a half-marathon here in Murfreesboro), I have a greater appreciation for this passage.
I concur that Jesus keeps calling us to a way of living! He set the pace for us. He marked out the race and completed it. I love verse 3:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Did you notice what kept Jesus on course? The joy set before him. Rule-keeping or debating are not joyous. Being transformed into the image of Christ–that’s joyful!
P.S., Since Paul quotes a Cretan philosopher (Titus 1:12) and an inscription from an idol (Acts 17:23) as communication bridges, I am confident that your purpose for quoting Plutarch is acceptable!
I love the challenge here- and the revelation. If only we would share the truth– that it is life in Christ- a relationship: not who’s doing it better. He will convict me when my lines of communication are open–I don’t need to convict someone else, but to simply show them Christ (who is not at all simple, yet so very much so::Love and the complexity of it), and He will lead them in the way of their life.
Thanks Mike, for sharing this sermon, for our lunch last week, and for the NBlvd sermon from the 5th. Awesome messages to help and apply in life, and in relationships!
Thanks, Cheryl. It took me a long time to understand that Christ’s love and grace “compel” us toward Him.