You hear a great sermon. You listen to an incredible podcast. You read an inspiring book. And now, you sincerely see and desire God in a new way. You are ready to live in a new way, and then….nothing happens. The only thing that possibly changes is you become a little more cynical the next time you hear a similar message.
What is it about faith that we find ourselves in this pattern so consistently? Why does desire and knowledge not naturally flow into transformation?
Well, the best analogy I can think of is our engagement with good theology often looks like us charting a new course on the map and then not knowing we need to turn the steering wheel.
When it comes to following Jesus, no doubt, faithful ideas are important. Right belief is necessary. An awareness of our sin and a desire for what is good are pillars of fruitful discipleship. But our lives are not steered by ideas, and even if they were, faithful directions do not speak to us nearly as often as worldly ones do. No, what drives our day is habits and routines. So while the first step to good theology might be gaining faithful vision, living that theology can only happen when we let that vision shape our ordinary moments.
That is why I am excited about a new monthly discussion I am hosting at my house (4930 Old House Trail, Atlanta, 30342) called “Theology of the Ordinary.” In it, I hope to provide some teaching and space for conversation that will help us explore how our abstract desires can be translated faithfully and concretely into our daily lives.
This Thursday Sept. 13th from 8:00-9:30 pm, we will begin with a “Theology of the Calendar.” And like with the months that follow with other topics, we will ask, “If this is who God is, what does it mean for how and why I fill my calendar?”
Each month will be a standalone topic so all are welcome each time whether you have been before or not. Possible future topics we will explore are the Theology of Disagreement, Neighbors, No, Marriage, and Success. But I am very open to suggestions.
If you have questions, would like more info or would like to sign up, feel free to send me an email or RSVP with this sign up genius.
-Drew