Today Timothy Keller complete his discussion of three disciplines St. Paul speaks of to engage the peace of God.
3. The discipline of reordering our loves. Pastor Keller notes that during times of adversity, St. Paul is telling us that it’s not enough just to think the right things. We must also love the right things in order to live a life of contentment.
The author states that the word Paul uses for contentment in Philippians 4:11 is autarkeia– meaning to be independent of circumstances and to maintain one’s poise amidst troubles and difficulties. Augustine argued that the “only love of the immutable (unchangeable) can bring tranquility.”
But only one thing is immutable- God, His presence and His love. Our problem, Pastor Keller observes, isn’t that we love our career or family too much, but that we “love God too little in proportion to them.” Tranquility and peace come by loving God supremely.
Today’s question: How have you been intentional in reordering your loves during your healing, transformational journey? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “It is well with my soul”
