With a view to action experience seems in no respect inferior to art, and men of experience succeed even better than those who have theory without experience.” Metaphysics, Aristotle
To succeed as a Christian, you must live out the everlasting experience that began with your redemption by God. A diligent study of the scriptures is essential to Christian growth, to be a disciple is to be a student. However, this is true only in as far as knowledge produces practical applications that strengthen the experience. Of course, the same inefficiency may be said of practical applications that are not an outgrowth of the redemption experience.
Christianity consists of neither words nor actions per se. That is, voicing certain beliefs and participating in certain rites does not make a person a Christian. In the same way, a Christian failing to perfectly act or speak in accordance with the demands of scripture does not nullify the experience. On the contrary, the Christian experience advances through the learning experiences of repentance and renewal.
The world is fond of proclaiming that the only person who never fails is the person who does nothing and says nothing. While they claim this for themselves, Christians are excluded. There is a good reason for this. Christian imperfection is believed to be proof of the non-existence of their faith and their God. In point of fact, just the opposite is true. Christian imperfection and failures are proof of the mercy and grace extended to them by their Savior.
Failure is not the goal. However, it is a reasonable expectation for which divine provision is made. Repentance is not cheap nor is it pleasant. Hebrews 12:8 clearly states, “But if ye be without chastisement, where of all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons”. (Emphasis mine.)
The chastisement of God upon His children is not without mercy, but it is not painless either, growth never is. Growth from whatever place God received us to a state of Christlike perfection is the plan of God for every Christian. We are not called to be spectators or bystanders. We are called to fellowship in the life of Christ and nothing less.
Maranatha
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