Posted by PS on May 15, 2003 at 15:21:43:
In Reply to: torn posted by giveawayboy on May 15, 2003 at 12:04:48:
Trying to imitate Christ and pursuing holiness should be a part of our relationship with Jesus. I believe that our conflict is more caused by the "whys" and "hows" in this area.
It is difficult to set a standard to strive for without making it a scale to judge ourselves by. The scale we judge by always condemns us.
--> We must learn to separate our goals and our standard of success, without doing violence to either.
It is difficult to see our failure repeatedly if we are not firmly founded in grace. We will either feel alienated and give up, or we will eventually rebel against any pursuit of holiness because the burden is too great.
--> We must learn to trust in Jesus' sacrifice in reality (not just in theory).
This conflict affords us the opportunity to learn these graces, and more.
You should bring this subject up in the Thursday classes.
BTW, we are thinking of starting the classes in June when Nancy gets up here. ;-)