Pursuing God’s Ways: Knowledge and Action

I have always admired theologians—men and women who have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Bible. I have a friend who is one. He’s super smart and he absolutely loves to study and grow in knowledge. He gets excited about things like the study of the role of monasticism, piety, and the sacraments in knowing God through the medieval ages. Huh? Yeah, I agree. But I am thankful for him because he not only loves Jesus but honors and defends the authority of God’s word. 

 I also admire those who without hesitation risk to serve and love others. Those who have no reservations about serving the needs of strangers. Those who choose to live in poverty in order to reach the poor. Those who risk their health to care for the immigrant or the victim of injustice. People who live boldly—people of action. 

As we continue to challenge ourselves as an organization with the theme “Pursuing God’s Ways,” I want to take a moment to unpack this idea of knowledge and action—and the balance and pursuit of both we should seek.

To begin, here are a few common dangers that loom out there.

Danger 1: All theology no action

Jesus had a few words to say about this. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus calls the pharisees “whitewashed tombs!” In their zealousness for God, they sought rigorous study, distinctive dress, and complete adherence to the moral code. However, their unmatched knowledge and religiousness caused judgement and burden to be placed upon the people. The Pharisees looked great on the outside as they spouted their knowledge, but lived with no action. It’s clear (by Jesus’ words in Matthew 23) they were not pursuing God’s ways correctly. The Pharisees show us how easy it is to become educated beyond our obedience. ^[1]

Today we see it in a more subtle, but similar, way. How often do we judge people on their level of education or teaching resume? It’s easy to inadvertently worship knowledge and degrees and assume good credentials are a sign of someone you want to follow. But that is not necessarily the case. Theological understanding and education is wonderful, but that knowledge needs to be accompanied by obedience and action. Pursuing God’s ways means seeking to live out that theology on a daily basis. 

Danger 2: All action no theology

At times we see social action being done with a disconnect from theology. Around the world there is lots being done to serve and care for the needy. Lots of food banks, clothing drives, and social justice work. While all very good and honorable, it is important for Christians to recognize that our mission needs to be connected to our theology. A focus on doing without an emphasis on learning has no solid foundation. In our pursuit of caring for others, we must not forget the essential biblical virtues such as grace, humility, mercy, self control and forgiveness. It’s from God’s sacrifice and for God’s glory that we serve and love. 

As followers of Jesus, we care about poverty, racism, and the plight of the refugee because Jesus cares. We desire to see communities flourish because God does as well. It’s our theology that must drive us towards this action not some assumptions that we inherit from our culture or society. 

Theology comes alive with action and action becomes grounded with proper theology. 

Danger 3: A mishmash of lukewarmness

I don’t think I have to say much about this. But a danger we all face is the tendency to pick and choose. Neglecting what is hard, avoiding what is dirty, twisting what seems challenging and just floating along in the stream of lukewarmness.  

The church of Laodicea struggled with this (Revelation 3:14-18). They were neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. They had some theology and probably had some small points of action, but neither was convicting. Their faith was basically dead and their deeds showed it (verse 15). In their self-sufficiency, they were more like pretend Christians than anything else. This is not the type of faith that God calls us to. Unlike the church of Laodicea, we are called to be people of theology and action. 

Head, heart, and hands connected

Dennis Hollinger wrote a book called Head, Heart and Hands: Bringing Together Christian Thought. He says that faith of the head is alive in the individual interested in sound theology. The faith of the heart is alive in those who have a deepening connection with God through prayer and meditation. The faith of the hands is alive in those who are doers, people interested in carrying out works of justice. He argues that each is necessary, and we are a lopsided church when we get these three aspects of expressing our faith out of balance. ^[1]

I believe Dennis is right on. A healthy Christian has a blossoming desire to learn and grow in theology with a drive to be obedient and to live out their faith in action. 

What does this mean for you?

People who pursue God’s ways are people who have found a dual vision in this area. They study and grow in their knowledge while daily seeking to live out their learnings and faith to the world around them.

How are you doing in this?  

As pastors and leaders, where do you find yourself? 

• Are you personally living out what you teach from the pulpit or the classroom? Are you personally caring for the vulnerable and serving in a church? What is one thing you could do this week to apply your own teaching? 
• Are you grounding yourself in the theology behind your compassion work? Do you know God’s word and how it informs your actions? Can you find 30 minutes this week to search God’s word on a specific subject?
• Where would you like to see yourself grow in these areas? Is there someone you could invite to walk with you and keep you accountable?  How does God want to grow you in this pursuit of his ways? 

We all have areas to grow in. I know I do. May God continue to teach each of us how to live for Him and His glory through both knowledge and action.

[1] Greer, Peter. “The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good.” Bethany House Publishing Group. Minneapolis MN. 2013. 

http://darrowmillerandfriends.com/2018/11/26/evangelicals-debate-social-justice/