CREATION, EVOLUTION, OR INSTRUCTION?
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40, R.S.V.
"Do you believe in creation or in evolution?" As he asked the question, I saw a look in his eye that told me there was a catch in it somewhere. But being a Bible-believing Christian, I of course voted for the divine sudden act rather than for the long, slow process of gradual change.
With an "I've got you now" tone in his voice, he asked, "When it comes to obtaining a Christlike character, is it a long, drawn-out process, or is it a sudden, divine act? Is it creation, or evolution?" It sounded good. Not wanting to be thought of as an evolutionist or be seen as faulting God's miracle-working power, I almost fell for it.
But a clear-thinking friend commented, "Instant creation is fine for trees and whales; but our God doesn't instantly create mature characters. Neither Jesus nor Adam had that benefit. Christlikeness of character comes from hearing His word and making choices accordingly."
Jesus spoke clearly to the issue of how one becomes like the Teacher: "Everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher." Jesus made us with minds capable of understanding--through the Holy Spirit's enlightenment--the principles of His kingdom. These same minds then can make choices to act in harmony with those principles. And these are the building blocks of character. Character is revealed through the habitual acts that are in harmony with one's internal value system.
I have known several people who have tried to hold to the theory that character is created instantly mature. They believe that their position is a testimony to the miracle-working power of God, and to anticipate a slower process is to make allowance for sin. But they are boxed into that all-or-nothing position that says that, should they detect immaturity within themselves, they must doubt that God has indeed done His miracle in their lives. And they are crushed with the haunting fear that perhaps they are not even converted!
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." His power to change us is rooted, not in enthusiasm, mystical ritual, or incomprehensible acts, but in truth. The longings of the heart after Christlikeness find their highest expression, then, when we say, "Jesus, teach me! Show me Your will, and I will gladly respond."
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40, R.S.V.
"Do you believe in creation or in evolution?" As he asked the question, I saw a look in his eye that told me there was a catch in it somewhere. But being a Bible-believing Christian, I of course voted for the divine sudden act rather than for the long, slow process of gradual change.
With an "I've got you now" tone in his voice, he asked, "When it comes to obtaining a Christlike character, is it a long, drawn-out process, or is it a sudden, divine act? Is it creation, or evolution?" It sounded good. Not wanting to be thought of as an evolutionist or be seen as faulting God's miracle-working power, I almost fell for it.
But a clear-thinking friend commented, "Instant creation is fine for trees and whales; but our God doesn't instantly create mature characters. Neither Jesus nor Adam had that benefit. Christlikeness of character comes from hearing His word and making choices accordingly."
Jesus spoke clearly to the issue of how one becomes like the Teacher: "Everyone when he is fully taught will be like his teacher." Jesus made us with minds capable of understanding--through the Holy Spirit's enlightenment--the principles of His kingdom. These same minds then can make choices to act in harmony with those principles. And these are the building blocks of character. Character is revealed through the habitual acts that are in harmony with one's internal value system.
I have known several people who have tried to hold to the theory that character is created instantly mature. They believe that their position is a testimony to the miracle-working power of God, and to anticipate a slower process is to make allowance for sin. But they are boxed into that all-or-nothing position that says that, should they detect immaturity within themselves, they must doubt that God has indeed done His miracle in their lives. And they are crushed with the haunting fear that perhaps they are not even converted!
Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." His power to change us is rooted, not in enthusiasm, mystical ritual, or incomprehensible acts, but in truth. The longings of the heart after Christlikeness find their highest expression, then, when we say, "Jesus, teach me! Show me Your will, and I will gladly respond."
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