How, then, shall we apply?

I'm working on writing an intro to our next Bible study. I've begun contemplating the word "Application" with regard to studies like this. I'm going to type some thoughts here with the goal of compiling them into the final document.

First, we need to look at what application is not. Application cannot be about changing behavior. Firstly, behavior without a basis in joyful obedience, is empty and worthless. Hearts are not changed by behavior. Secondly, behavior is too easy. If you give the "five steps to holiness", you've actually done a huge disservice. It's a disservice because the real application of the gospel is infinite in scope...it can't be completed - much less in five steps.

So, what is application? Application is simply beginning to acknowledge reality. Application teaches us to continually pursue a greater, more glorious picture of God and then to respond in word and deed to this new understanding. Application involves foolishness. As we begin to develop an idea of the foolishness of the cross, we apply all of the redemptive story in our lives similarly. Jesus gave up everything good and accepted everything bad so that God would be glorified and because he loved us. That's complete nonsense. On top of that, those of us who say we follow him are saying we have the same priorities. Application means we are (sometimes slowly and painfully) made more like Jesus - we don't make ourselves that way - we are made that way by the power of the Gospel.

People really want application to be very specific, but it can't be. It can't be because it's infinite. No matter what you come up with, the Gospel is more beautiful and more repulsive than whatever it is you name. Which brings me to a final point for this post. Application involves looking in the mirror. Some want specific application so that they can use measuring stick comparisons of their holiness versus another's. Gospel application doesn't attempt to become greater - that's just silly. Gospel application says we're absolutely worthless apart from Christ and that through him we're made worthy of Heaven. This world has to dim in the light of those Truths.

Randomness

I'm feeling pretty upbeat these days. I think I'm finally beginning to believe some of the stuff that comes out of my mouth. It's odd because circumstances aren't exactly perfect. I think maybe it's just that peace is more noticable when it's found in less-than-ideal conditions. No anxiety - for now. What a blessing!

Everything is nothing

Self-denial - I'm sure I've said that before - is simply an affirmation of Truth. Apart from Christ, we really are nothing. So, then, we are able to lay aside our claims to ourselves and the stuff of this world in acknowledgement that the only necessary thing in the universe is God.

So, the building I'm sitting in - to some extent - isn't real. Said another way, it's only real to the extent that it reflects its eternal purpose...namely, to bring glory to God. It's destined, as is everything and everyone, to be a pile of dust. Likewise, our existence only has value to the extent that we serve our eternal purpose. Ours is the same as the building's - to bring glory to God.

There is no reality apart from that. The writer of Ecclesiastes (my favorite book) is exactly right. The world has no meaning apart from the one given to it by the Creator. We spend so much energy trying to sustain and attain and acquire things that will end up as nothing. We spend so little energy on the only real thing there is.

Sundays have become very cool times recently. I've begun to see the time together as a shadow of eternity. We're participating in the only activity that will continue for eternity. Praise echoes through the chambers of Heaven. It's really very cool. If you let yourself look around and imagine the exact scene in the fullness of the life to come. It really is the only thing that matters.