"A life together under the Word will stay healthy only when it does not form itself into a movement, an order, a society, a collegium pietatis [association of piety], but instead understands itself as being part of the one, holy, universal, Christian church, sharing through its deeds and suffering in the hardships and struggles and promise of the whole church" (45).I came across these over at Jesus Creed. Thanks, Scot.
"Nothing is easier than to stimulate the euphoria of community in a few days of life together [a retreat, a conference]; and nothing is more fatal to the healthy, sober, everyday life in community of Christians" (47).
While I'm borrowing quotes, here's another doozy. It's from Jack Miller's The Heart of a Servant Leader.
What you discover is that there is no permanent joy in Christ apart from a willingness to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. That is, your life cannot have power in it or even salvation if you refuse to be like a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground in order to bring forth much fruit. God calls you to greatness, Catherine, but greatness means fruitfulness, and fruitfulness comes as we die to self and our fears and rise from the dead…Your life must have a death in it if it is to go anywhere. (p.230)HT: Darryl Dash.
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