The Heart of the Matter

Thomas Kelly has an interesting perspective on growing our spiritual lives in intentional and meaningful ways. Rather than pulling for the glamorous, flamboyant, radical faith that seems so impressive, he suggests that the most meaningful moments of growth are those that seem frustrating and mundane. God calls us to obedience and personal growth that requires very little from us, except an intentional and costly faith in his work. God has done the greatest, most radical thing in our lives already if we have been saved and are now being sanctified. There is no greater act of faith required. There is no terrible risk to take. There is no beleaguering effort needed. The most awesome work has already been accomplished on our behalf for the purpose of salvation, unto God's glory and honor. He moves in us and flows through us in small gestures. Like a new pillar of stone, we are being chipped away, sanded down, and displayed. It takes time and it hurts like crazy. The work is being done in our hearts. We die a new death every day as yet one more stubborn and petrified corner of rock is chipped off and shorn down. God calls us to obedience in everything. We are to meditate on his Word, to commune with his Sons and Daughters of the faith, to pray ceaselessly, to call out in hard times. Our hearts must be broken down in submission to his strong hands. The change is subtle, sometimes seemingly nonexistent, but he promises a masterpiece for an end result. Faith moves mountains, but that faith isn't ours. Our mountainous selves will one day stand erect as beautiful carved, living statues praising the name of the Sculptor.