Not I, But Christ

The following are some of the features and manifestations of the self-life. The Holy Spirit alone can interpret and apply this to your individual case. As you read, examine yourself in the very presence of God. Are you ever conscious of:

A secret spirit of pride-an exalted feeling in view of your success or position; because of your good training or appearance; because of your natural gifts and abilities. An important, independent spirit?

Love of human praise; a secret fondness to be noticed; love of supremacy, drawing attention to self in conversation; a swelling out of self when you have had a free time in speaking or praying?

How important is this question? This is not an abstract question about theology, it is a down-to-earth issue for both evangelism and ministry. It is at the heart of one of the great plagues of evangelicalism-the unconverted church member. This question is at the root of the "Lordship Salvation" controversy as well as the so-called "Carnal Christian" conundrum, two intensely practical pastoral issues. Moreover, this matter relates directly to Christian parents who long for the conversion of their children. To phrase the question another way, can a person go to Heaven who doesn't live like a dedicated Christian? If not, and we say that Christian living is necessary for salvation, aren't we contradicting the Bible's teaching on salvation by grace and not by works?

"Would you be Godly? There's no other way but through the Spiritual Disciplines. The scriptural path to Godliness has been made plain. Would you be Godly? Then, says the Lord in 1 Timothy 4:7, 'Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.' That is the way and there is no other.There are no shortcuts to Godliness." (Taken from page 246, of Don's book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)

• The most significant event of our summer has been the death of Caffy's dad, Jim Cox, on July 15. Please continue to pray for Caffy and the Cox Family.
• The publication of Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health in May was a long-awaited blessing.
• Laurelen's big event was a week—no wait, it was only a few hours—at the American Girl Store in Chicago.
• Don completed five years of teaching at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the church the Whitney's helped to plant—North Pointe Baptist—is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the planting of another church.
• Caffy's flowers are more beautiful than ever, and while the tomato plants were a record size their production was a disappointment.
• Laurelen's close friend next door moved, leaving her without a playmate in the neighborhood.
• We're reading C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia together.