I have the privilege of serving among a team of godly men in shepherding Roswell Community Church.  I am often humbled to see God at work in and through my brothers, as each brings his unique gifts and experience in loving service to Christ and this particular expression of His Church.

Yesterday one of the men shared an excerpt from Calvin’s Institutes.  (I was impressed that he’s reading Institutes!)   It described for me the interplay of mind and heart, obedience and response.  It also convicted me that I have a lot of heart-work to do.

“… What avails it, in short, to know a God with whom we have nothing to do? The
effect of our knowledge rather ought to be, first, to teach us reverence and fear; and, secondly, to induce us, under its guidance and teaching, to ask every good thing from him, and, when it is received, ascribe it to him. For how can the idea of God enter your mind without instantly giving rise to the thought, that since you are his workmanship, you are bound, by the very law of creation, to submit to his authority?—that your life is due to him?—that whatever you do ought to have reference to him? If so, it undoubtedly follows that your life is sadly corrupted, if it is not framed in obedience to him, since his will ought to be the law of our lives. On the other hand, your idea of his nature is not clear unless you acknowledge him to be the origin and fountain of all goodness.”   [Calvin, John. The Institutes of Christian Religion (Illustrated), Bk1, Ch2, Sec 2]

One of my goals during Lent is to learn and love more of Christ by reading, meditating, and praying about the events surrounding the Crucifixion and Resurrection.  The Cross is proof that God is “the origin and fountain of all goodness.”  I don’t adore God enough for His goodness.  I suspect I’m not alone.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.