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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Opus 2014-18: Rest or Push

What does it mean to walk by faith?
(2Co 5:7 KJV)  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
 How do we put that together with the challenge to grow?
(Php 2:12 KJV)  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Both were written by the Apostle Paul.  Both are important.  There is a time to rest and a time to push.

My problem is knowing when I am to push and when I am to rest.  There are times when we are to march forward boldly and assert ourselves, other times we are to settle back and wait.

Is it just a matter of opportunity and ability?  Am I supposed to work in the areas that offer success and withdraw if I can only fail?  I know some people with strong dominant personalities who are always pushing in where angels fear to tread.  I have a hard time believing that they are always right to push ahead.

On the other hand I tend to lack confidence.  My tendency is to draw back and wait.  Am I just being a coward?  Should I push forward more and risk failure?  Is that living by faith or is faith a matter of quietly enduring?

Until I have a better answer I will keep quoting the prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.