Hallelujah: God Be Praised // Moriah Nelson
In one of the first classes of this semester we asked each other what the impact of Saint Augustine’s Confessionswould be for his personal audience. Many of us commented on how we all like a “good” testimony with plenty of horrible sins and then eventually salvation (Hallelujah!). However, I personally believe we need to be very cautious with this excitement for the “level of sin” a person is saved from, as it often stems from a prideful heart (which, of course, is sin). Sometimes we will listen to a testimony to feel better about our own temptations (they’re not as bad, right?) and sometimes we feel worse because we “didn’t have much to be saved from”. We must recognize that sin is sin and every testimony is an opportunity to “boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV). I loved how Augustine addressed this issue in Book X. In the last two sentences of Chapter 4, he writes,
“Good people are delighted to hear about the past sins of those who have now shed them. The pleasure is not in the evils as such, but that though they were so once, they are not like that now.”
If we can celebrate what God has done in saving us more than celebrate what we did before salvation, we will be most encouraged by each other’s testimonies. We can be encouraged because testimonies remind us that God is still at work and is always transforming us to be more like Christ.
The last sentence of Book X, Chapter 5 says, “You never abandon what you have begun. Make perfect my imperfections.”
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) runs nearly parallel to this statement:
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Based on what Augustine writes, and how it lines up with the Bible, I believe he wanted his readers to see how God can save anyone and that He never leaves us as we were before salvation. Augustine praises God even as he shares of his personal struggles and gives God glory for saving him from these sins.
I commented on Anna Grace and Will's posts.
I commented on Anna Grace and Will's posts.
This is something I think about often. I think it is interesting to hear someone say they don't necessarily find it important to share their testimony because it might not be the "most interesting" or "it is your typical story of a kid who grew up in church". I love that Augustine shares so openly about what he has struggled with and his dedication to God through any trials.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you, Moriah, and Gray. I find it funny how we seem to compare our sins. ANother thing we discussed is how sometimes people make sins a competiton. It is almost like peple want to outdue each others sins. Sin is sin regardless how big or small. Murder someone or stealing will both take you to hell. Its strange how our sin nature deceives us even when we are trying to confess our sins.
ReplyDeleteYour post is well put together and addresses a common problem that plagues Christians today. The idea of comparing and looking at the sins of others can be appealing. This is harmful to the soul and leaves it in a distracted state. We are called to know God, and it is only by learning about His glory and worshiping Him through His precious Word that we come closer to Him, and realize how terrible we are in comparison. The problem with God and man is not man getting to God, but it is how a Holy God will be able to be in the presence of sinful man. Comparing sins among each other is as useful as two doves comparing how many feathers they have. We are to understand the extent of our sin in order to praise God each and every day for the wonderful work of regeneration the Spirit has performed in our hearts. Moriah, your posts Always link our readings with scripture and it is always a joy to read, Thank You!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy that you have brought this topic up and shed new light on it. we need to change the way we view others because it is extremely unhealthy. As humans we will naturally find anyway we can to be jealous of other people. sometimes we need to step back and realize that the grass is always greener on the other side. I find it remarkable that god has put up with us for this long! I know I sure wouldn't. I guess that's why I'm not God.
ReplyDeleteIf we could only take on the attitude that Paul had concerning his own sin! (Nice use of that verse that you remind me of all the time about boasting in our weakness. Ultimately, it is God who does the work and receives the glory, not of our own, but his strength and power.
ReplyDelete