Not Merely Hearers of the Word /// Emma Landry

     Of the three writings, I found Baxter's to be the clearest and most interesting read. The section that really caught my attention was the sixth suggestion of what to avoid in order to live the holiest life possible. Baxter implores his audience to avoid the trap of slothfulness. It is impossible to draw nearer to the Savior without taking action. Laziness would prevent one from applying any of Baxter's advice to everyday life because without action, no changes can be made. A person's spiritual life would be stagnant initially, speedily entering a decline in quality in the absence of taking an active role in pursuing all things holy.     

     The most tragic part about this hindrance to greater experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth is that Baxter emphasizes how common laziness is and how it holds many back from truly reaching their potential in Jesus. After he presents his argument about how slothfulness is a stumbling block at the beginning of this section, he says of the heavenly life that "nothing hinders it more than this in men of a good understanding." Sadly, many are able to grasp heavenly revelation but may choose to do nothing about it. It is presumptuous to expect God to shower blessings or to help us grow in divine joy without taking steps toward Him. If we lie around in relaxation and do not plan to exercise, how can our bodies become stronger and more fit? Similarly, if we fail to strive in growing closer to God, how can we expect to magically grow in faith, wisdom, and heavenly joy? In closing, this section reminded me a lot of James 1:22, which says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

I commented on Bug Olsen's and Emmett Bryant's posts.

Comments

  1. Emma Kate PattersonOctober 5, 2021 at 2:32 AM

    I find it interesting that you pointed out that laziness prevents one from making changes due to the lack of action. This is so true because without putting in the effort to change someone will never change. Change cannot be made in the world if no one takes action.

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  2. Emory CooperOctober 5, 2021 at 3:02 AM

    I agree, it is definitely an impossibility to draw nearer to God without some type of action on our part. How can one follow Jesus without taking up his cross (Luke 9:23)? Yet at the same time, we as Christians shouldn't despair, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13), and "we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). And similar to what Baxter was saying, we find our motivation to run our race towards heaven "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith." (Hebrews 12:2)

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  3. The Mahn-sterOctober 5, 2021 at 9:54 AM

    This is an engrossing idea, stating that laziness leads to stagnation and regression of the faith. Also, your point about changes not being made is a good one. If people are not active, no changes or progress can be made.

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