Have you ever asked yourself, as I recently did, why the Savior chose eating and drinking to symbolize his sacrifice for us? In other words, why do we eat and drink each week in remembrance of him, when there are so many other things we could do to commemorate his sacrifice for us? The reason is significant. When you eat or drink something it becomes part of your body. This is symbolic of how, just like nourishment, the gospel of Jesus Christ is only effective if you take it into your life and make it part of you.
Knowledge in and of itself is useless. It has no value unless applied to some action. Just like knowing what water is, does not quench your thirst. Only when you apply that knowledge by drinking, does that knowledge take on value. How much you know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is irrelevant, unless you make it part if your life by living what you know.
There is a Marine Corps ad that ends with the saying, “You don’t join the Marines, you become one.”
Similarly, you don’t join the church, you become a disciple of Christ. Discipleship is not a single act like baptism and it is not derived from static knowledge; it is a slow process of changing yourself over a lifetime of experiences (Experience being defined as knowledge applied in real time through action).
I think it is worthwhile to ask ourselves if we have simply joined the church or are we becoming disciples of Christ.
Mathew 7:22-23
22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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Great thoughts on this! No fence sitters allowed! All or nothing! Enjoyed readint this, Nate. I still need to call and talk to you...
ReplyDeleteYesterday we were sharing conference notes in our little study groups and one of the talks was about this particular subject. The speaker talked about how being Christ-like is not a check list of things we do.
ReplyDeleteTo make yourself one with the gospel you have to do more than just check each block. Giving because you are supposed to doesn't necessarily benefit you. Just as the food/drink is to become a part of your body so must your deeds become part of your soul. Works alone will not save us, as grace fans often point out. And in that aspect they are right.
So how do you know if you are just doing or if you are being?