I know many people with the right theology . . . well, at least what I consider to be good and solid. None of us have the perfect mind but some are perhaps more accurate of mind than others. Yes, theology is important and I am in not in agreement with those who have no place for doctrine or theology in their Christianity. However, what good is a “correct theology” without obedience to the living Christ? None whatsoever according to Jesus of Nazareth. Calling him Lord and espousing all the right answers without doing what He says leads to the crawling condemnation of “I never knew you.”
The key to a vibrant Christianity is a true knowledge of the resurrected Jesus, the one who requires daily obedience and relationship. Such knowledge is nothing short of an experiential knowledge, biblically, theologically, and practically speaking.
George MacDonald would say that those who have a deficient theology yet live in obedience to Jesus know him better than the others who are most accurate in their mental understanding of the truths about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And with this does not the early leader of the first church in Jerusalem agree? Indeed, James teaches us that the demons all believe. In other words, they have a great theology . . . as do Pharisees and other hypocrites. What sets people apart as God’s own is a life of obedience.
The result? Study theology and doctrine and seek to love the Lord with all your mind. But do not forget that to really love Him requires also the heart and body as well, which includes the emotions and the will.
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