The "authentic life" is the title of Part 2 of the book and Kelly suggests that by living this "authentic life" that we will be doing God's will. It doesn't matter whether we are farmers, scientists, students etc. we should strive to be the best we can be.
Too often we are dragged down by our mundane routines and fall into what the author calls "lives of despair". We see polls taken where Americans are dissatified with their jobs or students who see no purpose in their education. We talk with people who see no relevance in attending church because of one reason or another.
Kelly says Christians need spiritual goals and that holiness should be the goal of a Christian. Holy persons aren't always nuns or priests but can be anyone whose life reflects God's. Each of us has talents that should be used for God's glory and to use the U.S. Army marketing slogan "Be all you can be".
William
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Some not exactly random thoughts:
ReplyDeleteOn page 59 Kelly asserts that we need to foster our “inner life”, using this verse:
1 Thess 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
The idea is to offer all that we do for the glory of God in prayer. I am reminded of a book we read in The Dead Theologian Society called “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. Written by a French Monk in the 17th century, this little collection of his writings brings forth practical wisdom on how this can be done, even in the service from the kitchen. I highly recommend it. Simply google the title to find it. There are many versions available.
But then go also to 1 Thess Chapter 5 and read what is immediately before verse 17! Here we find the recipe for how we are to conduct ourselves! 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you; 13 that you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work's sake. Have peace with them. (in other words listen to and be obedient to and supportive of The Church and especially the Clergy!) 14 And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet: comfort the feeble-minded: support the weak: be patient towards all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil to any man: but ever follow that which is good towards each other and towards all men. 16 Always rejoice.
There is our internal Holiness played out for the world to see. There is our way to “be all that we can be”, as William reminded us. The remainder of Chapter 5 contains words of great comfort as well, and should be heeded. Hopefully I have piqued your interest enough to pull out a Bible and read the whole chapter, or indeed the entire book of Thessalonians! It is wonderful indeed! For the REALLY lazy, here is a link for you…..click on it! You will be glad that you did!
http://www.newadvent.org/bible/1th005.htm
Luke