- There is no question that faith is what saves (Eph. 2:8), because it's by faith that we are united to Christ (Gal. 3:26). But I would say that faith is not a purely intellectual activity. It involves the intellect, but it involves more than just that. I like the definition that it is an active submission of our imagination and emotion to Christ, in light of what we know to be true about Him and what He has done.
- Yeah, the theory of think then want then do makes sense in theory. But I just don't think that it's how human beings function. We are far more likely to use our minds to justify what we already have chosen with our will. Jamie Smith's book, You Are What You Love, is really good on that point.
- There's a lot of recent literature on cognitive behavior and brain science that shows the complexity and interdependence of our believing and feeling and doing. Part of the reason for Christian habits/practices/obedience is that those actions reinforce what we believe and influence how we feel. Scripture always emphasizes the heart as the center of the human being rather than the mind for just this reason, I think. God knows that we aren't logic-first, but loving-first creatures.
In the end, when we realize how complicated we are, I don't think we're meant to figure out or fix ourselves. I think it's supposed to draw us to our knees in submission and trust!
Amen to all of that! I found that practicing a rule of life has helped me so much in the past 9 months. It allows me to engage with body and soul rather than just mind. And I have definitely experienced that when I feel that my mind/heart is lacking, the engagement of the body can help lead my mind and my heart.
Thanks for always taking time to answer my questions!
Yes! A rule of life is a great way to intentionally get all of yourself involved in your faith, not just the mind. The daily office has been an important way for me to build that whole-self engagement.
So much to THINK about. Ha!
- How are we to understand Acts 16:31? Is belief not an act of the mind? Or is my definition a gnostic one?
- I’ve always been taught that it starts with the mind and then it should move to the heart and hands. But God looks at the heart.
- is what we believe, feel or do of most importance? I’d like to think all three? There I go thinking again!
Hah, good questions, Megan!!! Thanks for asking!
- There is no question that faith is what saves (Eph. 2:8), because it's by faith that we are united to Christ (Gal. 3:26). But I would say that faith is not a purely intellectual activity. It involves the intellect, but it involves more than just that. I like the definition that it is an active submission of our imagination and emotion to Christ, in light of what we know to be true about Him and what He has done.
- Yeah, the theory of think then want then do makes sense in theory. But I just don't think that it's how human beings function. We are far more likely to use our minds to justify what we already have chosen with our will. Jamie Smith's book, You Are What You Love, is really good on that point.
- There's a lot of recent literature on cognitive behavior and brain science that shows the complexity and interdependence of our believing and feeling and doing. Part of the reason for Christian habits/practices/obedience is that those actions reinforce what we believe and influence how we feel. Scripture always emphasizes the heart as the center of the human being rather than the mind for just this reason, I think. God knows that we aren't logic-first, but loving-first creatures.
In the end, when we realize how complicated we are, I don't think we're meant to figure out or fix ourselves. I think it's supposed to draw us to our knees in submission and trust!
Amen to all of that! I found that practicing a rule of life has helped me so much in the past 9 months. It allows me to engage with body and soul rather than just mind. And I have definitely experienced that when I feel that my mind/heart is lacking, the engagement of the body can help lead my mind and my heart.
Thanks for always taking time to answer my questions!
Yes! A rule of life is a great way to intentionally get all of yourself involved in your faith, not just the mind. The daily office has been an important way for me to build that whole-self engagement.