How do we encourage our society, and especially our Christian brothers and sisters, to take their moral responsibilities seriously and to embrace the highest standards of righteousness? In other words, how do we best challenge one another “toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)?
There is probably no simple answer to this kind of question, and indeed when we look at the entire Hebrews passage I just alluded to, it would seem to encourage us to wonder about the subject:
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds
But even if there is no simple answer to this question, an important part of it is addressed head on in the little book by Timothy Keller entitled The Prodigal God. I can’t recommend this work too highly. Interestingly, nowhere in the work does Keller set out to “define” godly standards of behavior. In my opinion, what exactly those standards are is something that the church must determine through serious biblical reflection and humble dependence on the Holy Spirit. Those standards cannot be safely derived from human tradition – whether that tradition is old and revered (“That’s the way we’ve always done it!”), or contemporary and popular (“All the young people are reading him!”).
What Keller sets out to do, rather, is to show us in a striking way the right attitude, perspective and context in which to approach the whole question of the moral reformation of our neighbors. He does this through a reflection on the “The Prodigal Son,” a parable which Jesus gave in the context of his conflict with the Pharisees. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were on a righteous mission to reform their society and make devout, godly, individuals. “What could be wrong with that?” someone might ask. Well, as it turns out, plenty; and Keller shows us exactly where and why Jesus and the gospel differ so radically from the Pharisees. In our dealings with the world and with our Christian brothers and sisters, it is imperative that we avoid the attitude of the Pharisee, which – despite good intentions – turns out to be poisonous for all parties. This is an attitude that is, unfortunately, ever close at hand and a constant temptation to you and me.
So I hope you will consider reading Keller’s little book, which is full of profound lessons on the gospel, grace, humility, and what true transformation is all about. These are lessons desperately needed in the church today. In fact, it’s probably time for me to reread it.
By the way, we will be using another book by Timothy Keller called The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism as one of the texts for this fall’s “Introduction to Christian Apologetics.” We hope you will consider joining us for the course if you are in the Connecticut region. For more information on the class, click here.
By Ray Pennoyer (July 31, 2010)
Just obtained a recorded book of “The Prodigal God” (unabridged) to listen to while walking laps on the deck of the cruise ship to Bermuda next week! Nice, huh?
I have let go of so much of the pharisee in me over the past several years….after I almost entirely destroyed my relationship with my kids. I still have a ways to go, as I am continually being challenged by my too strong opinions of other people’s behaviors.
I do recall a line from a Casting Crowns song, “What This World Needs”, which I played for my students in my Sermon on the Mount class a few years back. The line goes, “What this world needs
Is for us to care more about the inside than the outside.
Have we become so blind that we can’t see?
God’s gotta change her heart before He changes her shirt.”
To see the lyrics to the entire song:
http://www.lyricsbang.com/casting-crowns-lyrics-what-this-world-needs.html
And yes, Keller’s “Reason for God” is on my list to read in the future too!
Great message in those lines from Casting Crowns! And who has achieved the perfect balance in these things? Not I, I’m still learning. But I am convinced that Keller’s book here contains some very important insights for us to learn from. In any case Bonnie, make sure you come back and let us know what you thought of the book after you have had a chance to listen to it!