“The way we actually think about the moral activity or growth of the Christian (what we often label ‘discipleship’) is not really Christ-centered; we can talk about ‘relying on the power of the Spirit’ but still think about this as something we do. When, with the Holy Spirit’s help, we are obedient, we are simply better versions of ourselves.”- Grant Macaskill, Living in Union with Christ (2017)
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”- Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
Kyle Strobel and John Coe conclude Chapter 6 of When God Seems Distant as they stress that Christianity is not solely about trying to imitate Jesus. Because Jesus didn’t take on flesh, live in faithfulness, and die for our sins simply to show us a pattern of life we could live apart from Him. Thus, Kyle and John assert, perhaps the greatest temptation of the Christian life involves growing oneself. And we continually fail to recognize this.
However, the authors note, some people might wonder why being better versions of ourselves creates a problem. Certainly, it seems obvious that we should aspire to that. So, as Grant Macaskill explains, our only hope centers on this: for a better self to inhabit our lives. Christ and Christ alone = our only hope.
In conclusion, Kyle and John counsel:
“What few realize but all must come to grapple with is that to mature in the faith, we need to see that we are not the ones making this work. When we finally hit that point, we are ready to see that the spiritual life requires denouncing the moral life of the flesh.
Today’s question: What’s lacking when we aspire to simply better version of ourselves? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual formation – embrace Jesus”