What is the Main Purpose?

I'll never forget what Blake Wilson said as I was sitting in one of his classes at the College of Biblical Studies sometime in the Fall of 2004. At the time I was currently working through my M-DIV at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, but at the recommendation of my good friend David Joseph, I was also auditing a class at CBS. A Biblical View of Sex was the name of the class. How is that for a recommended class at a Bible College? I was also a part-time youth minister at the time and it's a pretty wise move to get that sort of teaching into your youth's ever-changing, hormone-raging, identity-searching mind. This class recognized that most youth are losing the battle against lust and that some youth have been damaged by sexual molestation and it's critical for us to point them to Jesus and to show them what God's Word says about such things. This is heavy stuff and I would recommend that class highly. Anyhow, that is for another time, but before one of our classes Blake asked a real simple question. He said, "Guys, what is the main purpose of all of these classes you are taking?"

After a minute or two the scholarly Bible students began to answer. "So we can finish our degree." "So we can be trained to be a youth pastor." "So we know the right answers to give people." "This degree will help me get a job." I guess all of those are okay answers and have a certain measure of truth behind them, but it was clear that Blake had something else in mind.

He replied, "Doc, the main purpose of these classes are to grow you in Christ-likeness. That is it."

He went on to read through various passages of Scripture, but it was very clear that the number one reason any Christian takes a Bible class or reads a book on theology or attends a Bible Study was to promote a life that looked more like Christ's and less like the world. Man, I was so glad that I was sitting there that evening.

I was on the downhill of my 91 hour degree plan at SWBTS and I had definitely been guilty of studying for a test so that I could make a good grade or memorizing various terms or people or dates so that I could join in on the latest theological discussion and sound half-way intelligent. Where were the days when I used to read the Bible and seek to apply those truths to my life? Where were the days when I would memorize Scripture so that I could have God's Word stored inside of me so that the lies and lusts of the world could be cut in two? Where were the days when I would spend long periods of time in prayer confessing my sins, praying for the lost, and praising God for who He is?

Blake didn't spend the whole class on that reminder, but I was so glad that he mentioned those things and it allowed me to refocus and rethink and realign my heart and mind to that reality.

Okay you ask, that was almost four years ago . . . what brings that up now? Well, first of all, I bring this up because I think I need to hear this over and over. It is still easy for me to get caught up in other things that take away from some of the core things I should be focused on. For example, it was my turn to read Scripture in church this past Sunday and I put a lot of focus on pronouncing the words correctly, reading clearly, etc. and less attention on allowing that Word to get inside of me and mold me. I should be reading through the texts and praying to God and asking for Him to teach me those truths rather than preparing for the reading as if I have a speech to give to the rotary club. Father, have mercy on me a sinner.

I've been thinking a lot these past few days and I want to be a man that is faithful to what God has called me to. I want to be a man who prays often. I want to read and meditate on God's Word and allow myself to be refined by it rather then thinking of application to other people's lives first. I want to walk in humility. I want to be kind and compassionate to others. I want to hold firmly to the truth. I want to speak the truth. I want to walk blamelessly.

I was reading Luke 1 this morning and was reminded of how often God uses people who are righteous in God's sight and live without blame according to the commandments of God. This is how Zechariah and Elizabeth are described and as they are faithful to where God has called them, He then uses them in an extraordinary way.

The second reason I write this is because I want to encourage others to pursue such things. I think it is a tendency of many people to want recognition and to see their ideas and suggestions ushered forward. We want to dive into the tough passages of Scripture and show everyone why we are right and they are wrong. We want to be called upon when a situation arises. We want to be included in leadership positions. We want to post long blogs and have everyone read them and comment on how great we are.

I pray that you would join me in growing in Christ-likeness and in walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. Let's be Christians that do all things for the glory of God. Let be people that hold firm to sound doctrine. Let's be people that our humble, teachable, loving, gracious, full of mercy, and sacrificial. Let's be people that study the Bible and allow it to shape the way we think. Let's be people that pray often. Let's be more concerned about God's glory than cutting corners.

Let me encourage you to listen to Blake's words the next time you pick up a book or take a class or read the Bible or listen to a sermon.

The main purpose of those things are to grow you in Christ-likeness. That is it.