“Many Christians . . . struggle to behold Christ’s glory because they have a generally decreased capacity for bigness in the first place.”- Jared C. Wilson
Jared Wilson continues Chapter 3 of The Imperfect Disciple as he discusses what we can do to help us behold better. First, we must overcome our preoccupation with small things. In fact, this leads to an inverted sense of measurement. Therefore, big things seem to us small or familiar. In contrast, small things become big to us in terms of time, attention, and energy.
Furthermore, our consumer-oriented culture, inundates us with all kinds of media. As a result, the gospel seems quite one-note and familiar. Thus, Jared advises, “don’t just do something, sit there.” The author continues:
” . . . until we learn to simply sit there, to be still, to be settled, to look at the great big world around us, to consider with wonder all those incredible humans made in God’s image, to look at his endlessly fascinating creation in long steady concentration, we will continue in spiritual myopia and spiritual boredom. When our vision is constantly occupied by small things, we are tempted to yawn more at the glory of God.”
Therefore, looking at big things increases our capacity to see big things. This means you rest from the spaces over which you “rule” as acting sovereign. Instead, you get out into spaces that palpably reflect Christ’s sovereignty. As G. K. Beale says: “What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or restoration.”
In conclusion, Jared asserts, all this indicates one core issue – a worship problem (emphasis author’s).
Today’s question: What worldly things and messages created a decreased capacity for bigness in your faith life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Every day when you encounter God”
