Imperishable Inheritance

This is the last post in my series entitled: On Being Reformed. This is a post that is supposed to express more of what it means to me personally, and what I feel can be safely generalized among all those who hold to the basics of reformed theology.

Humility Not Haughtiness

The largest of these attributes that should be attributed to a reformed Christian is one of humility. I'm not implying that only if you're reformed can you be humble, but I believe reformed theology places the greatest opportunity for humility. In C.J. Mahaney's new book: Humility: True Greatness he suggests studying the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism) to create humility. The sad fact is that many Christians who claim to be reformed are in fact not humble at all. In fact, many struggle from the "cage stage syndrome" where after becoming a Calvinist it becomes a mission to convert anybody and everybody to their theological persuasion. John Newton gives us a great warning in his work More Than A Calvinist:

"To be enabled to form a clear, consistent, and comprehensive judgment of the truths revealed in the Scripture, is a great privilege; but they who possess it are exposed to the temptation of thinking too highly of themselves, and too meanly of others, especially of those who not only refuse to adopt their sentiments, but venture to oppose them...From hence we may observe, that believers who have most knowledge, are not therefore necessarily the most spiritual...It is an invariable maxim in his kingdom, that whosoever exalteth himself, shall be abased; but he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted."

Challenged Not Complacent

There is a very real danger to become completely complacent in our Christianity. It is a point where we come to see our salvation and decide that no more work needs to be done. Reformed theology has done much to help me escape the lure of complacency. It helps to remind me of where I came from and where I'm going.

Searching the Scriptures continually as my theology is challenged has also done much to help me understand more of where different Christians are coming from. You don't have to be reformed to be moved to study theology; studying theology should increase our awareness of empathy towards other believers and not apathetic. Continually re-examining my theological convictions helps to remind me and avoid complacency.

Stimulated Not Separate

I find that if I don't keep myself stimulated intellectually, personally, and emotionally that I feel as thought I become separate from God. We don't "do theology" for theology's sake, we do it for the glory of God. Being intellectually stimulated from studying God's word is not a bad desire, but it should only be the means to glorify God and we should never view it as only an end.

Conclusion

I obviously endorse and have found much solace through the lens of the reformed tradition, but I want to encourage every Christian to seek after the deeper things of God's word. Studying God's word should never been seen as only an intellectual or an emotional experience. Guided by the Spirit we can drastically alter our worldviews and our impression on who God is and what His purposes are. The study will prove fruitful as you grow intellectually, personally, and emotionally in your walk with Christ. Just remember that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him!