WATCHWORD:
Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy, dwell on these things. Whatever you have learned, or heard, or seen in me, put into practice, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-7
Meditation:
Theology
Theology: The study of the nature of God and religious belief. Chances are, your pastor, or one of those on television, have a masters degree or a PhD in theology. It sounds very scholarly, maybe just a bit stodgy. It is a discipline and, as such, a study which can aid in the understanding of Biblical truths.
If I would ask you, what is your theology? How would you answer? Maybe you would say, ‘Christian’. And I would say, ‘That’s just a label’. Tell me in eight words or less what your theology is, in practice.
Maybe you respond with ‘I just try to be a good person.’ And I say: “Are you?” And your answer is: ‘I believe so.’ I say, “prove it.” Now you are getting a bit testy and you tell me about the born-again experience that you had transformed your life. I dig a bit deeper and ask: “When was that?” You tell me it was years ago, but it still had meaning. I again respond with, “How does that affect your life now, today, even this minute?”
Here’s the thing about theology, if we believe, then, in fact, we have theology. The question is, is it a living theology? A living theology is something you practice every minute of every day. Your theology must work itself out, exhibiting itself in your most common every day relationships and activities. It’s a theology you live.
You may be the most scholarly person ever to study the Bible, and you may have an answer for every theological question, except, possibly the one about practicing your theology. How would you measure up to the standards of Jesus Christ and him crucified, as Paul has told us? Every detail of our lives is tested against the physical, moral and spiritual standard set by our Lord.
It seems pretty intimidating, but the truth of our faith is that, while the standards are immutable, we are God’s child and as such, he has equipped us through Him, to accomplish all things. Try this: I live out my theology through Jesus Christ (eight words). May it be so with each of us. Amen.
A Statement of Theology from Jude 1:
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Thank You for your good graces that you have given me. May my thoughts and behaviors reflect your truth and nothing else. When I have a negative thought, I pray for your help to quickly recognize it and that You would empower me to focus on what is true, pure, and lovely. Thank You Lord.
