As posted on Dwight P.'s Everything Blog (see link)
Mac said...
Dwight - This quote is in response to this post and your felt anguish over your sinful flesh. I am also including this quote in light of the larger context you find yourself in; the sin of an adulterous spouse. May Lundgaard's rewording of John Owen bring truth and hope!
The FLESH (sinful nature) is likened to a rhino.
"If a rhinoceros were to enter this restaurant now, there is no denying he would have great power here. But I should be the first to rise and assure him that he has no authority whatever (G. K. Chesterton).
...If you've read this...and seen a rough horn lowered at your soul, your own flesh snorting and pawing and ready to charge, there's hope. The more you discover the power of indwelling sin, the less you will suffer its effects. Because the better your know this rhino, the more you will hate it; and to the length that you abhor it--and no farther--you will grasp for grace against it.
But if you don't find yourself dodging the rhino's horn day and night in a struggle against sin, it may be that you've made peace with the rhino. You are willingly, happily under its power and rule. In that case, you should doubt that you are born of God. No one who is born of God can live at peace with sin (1 John 3:9). I appeal to you, for the sake of your soul: Run to Christ! Only he can slay the rhino in your heart."
Lundgaard, Kris. The Enemy Within. (Phillipsburg, NY: P&R, 1998: 29, 34.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
He is lucky to have a friend like you. He needs you more than even he knows right now!
Mac--Thanks for supporting our friend Dwight right now. I think he interpreted "boldly love" a bit more physically than you intended (see his response to your comment on his blog). This morning he probably sees it differently, because God has helped him and Jeanna through another victory. (BTW, check out my blog--I loved and commented on Chesterton's "rhino.")
Really great to know someone who pursued what I would love to have done when I was in college, but my parents didn't support music or theatre as a vocation. I'm a former public radio announcer, however, teaching at Illinois State, and love the arts. I also sing bass and help Dwight with leading the music team--you'll have to come down and visit us at Northside sometime!
Post a Comment