As I see it, the Christian life must be comprised of three concentric circles, each of which must be kept in its proper place.
In the outer circle must be the correct
theological position, true biblical orthodoxy and the purity of the
visible church. This is first, but if that is all there is, it is just
one more seedbed for spiritual pride.
In the second circle must be good
intellectual training and comprehension of our own generation. But
having only this leads to intellectualism and again provides a seedbed
for pride.
In the inner circle must be the humble heart — the love of God, the devotional attitude toward God. There must be the daily practice of the reality of the God whom we know is there.
These three circles must be properly
established, emphasized and related to each other. At the center must be
kept a living relationship to the God we know exists. When each of
these three circles is established in its proper place, there will be
tongues of fire and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, at the end of my
life, when I look back over my work since I have been a Christian, I
will see that I have not wasted my life.
Hat Tip: Miscellanies
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