It will not take place apart from our
conscious cooperation. It will also
not take place merely through the
acquisition of factual knowledge or
concepts from the Lord. And it will
absolutely not take place in a single
instant or a short period of time within
our lives. It is an adult journey.
The Lord calls us to become
fundamentally different human beings
from the people we are as we arrive
at young adulthood. Our usefulness,
indeed our fundamental happiness,
depends on this change.
Perhaps during this coming week
if you pay attention, with the Lord’s
help, you will catch the natural part of your mind scoffing at an important true
idea or mocking the value of doing or not doing a certain action in obedience to
the Lord or to serve those around us. When you catch this unhealthy ridicule,
call it by the name it should properly have. It is a danger to your salvation. It
has its perspective from evil motives and false ideas. Ask the Lord for help to
overcome this doubting state of mind and then live differently than it would
guide you to do.
Just as Abraham felt sadness at the idea of dismissing Hagar and Ishmael,
you may feel some sorrow at turning from this familiar pattern of thought, but
be assured the Lord will stir a hope in your heart and He gives you the sure
promise that the happiness and usefulness of heavenly life will become yours
through such efforts.
Amen.
The Lord calls us to
become fundamentally
different human beings
from the people we
are as we arrive at
young adulthood. Our
usefulness, indeed our
fundamental happiness,
depends on this change.
The Rev. Eric H. Carswell is pastor of the Bryn Athyn Church.
He has previously been pastor of the Glenview, Illinois, and
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, societies and head of their schools;
Dean of the Bryn Athyn College Theological School; regional
pastor for the Northeastern United States; Vice Chancellor of
the Academy of the New Church; and Bishop’s Representative
for Education for the Academy and General Church Schools.
He and his wife, Donna (Zeitz), live in Huntingdon Valley,
Pennsylvania. Contact: [email protected]
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