Grant What Thou Commandest

Grant what Thou commandest, and command what Thou dost desire.  

- Aurelius Augustine -

 

Throughout all these years I have been spending time 'working out my salvation' (Philippians 2:12) by diligently study the Word of God and study the important doctrines in Christianity. I have been trying to study theology deeply, knowing that doctrines and creeds matter, because we practice what we believe. Yet these years of studying make me too 'doctrinal'. Sometime I don't know what I have become, or more precisely, I don't know what am I.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Matthew 23:23) 

I have been always neglect the important matters of the law, the practical implications of the Word of God. I don't know why am I so coward to show my faith in deeds. Why is it do difficult for me to take that initial step? Even after taking the initial step, why is it so difficult for me to continue it? Why did I shrunk back?

Reading the Word is important, study the doctrines is important. But the fact that I didn't practice them is like nullifying the former. After all, I am just a terrible sinner, continually needing Thy forgiveness, living days by days by Thy grace and mercy. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst (1 Timothy 1:15).

O Lord, command what you wish, but give what you command.   

- Aurelius Augustine -

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 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: 

to look after orphans and widows in their distress and 

to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

James 1:27