19 Apr A Language and A Theology

Call me a slow learner; I don’t process new ideas quickly. It takes a while for things to sink in and take root. So even though I sat through seven weeks of powerful in-depth teaching on Ezer last fall, the impact on my thinking and my life was pretty minimal.

Don’t get me wrong: I was instructed, challenged, convicted, and excited about the study! Its potential was readily apparent. But the imprint on my thinking and the influence on my behavior wasn’t significant or measurable.

Fast forward three months. As a co-leader I started saturating my thinking with the study. Bill & Virginia’s teaching replaced praise & worship on my iPod. And something amazing has begun to happen: the seeds that were planted by the fall’s teaching are beginning to germinate in my soul.

This has happened in two ways. First, the “language” is taking root in my heart and mind.  I am beginning to think and express myself in terms of my core calling, my core sin, my self-promoting and self-protective corruption. What clarity and growing depth of understanding that is bringing!  Excited about this framework of language, I find myself sharing it with friends outside the circle of Grace at every opportunity. Each time I do, the truths are driven more deeply within my heart. At the same time, these terms are giving insight into and language for my own sin – ouch! – a painful but most necessary process!

Secondly, the theology has impacted my life. As the language has brought valuable clarity, the accompanying exposure has frequently left me emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed. That’s where the theology has come to my rescue.  I see the Scriptural foundation of my calling, the incomprehensible truth that I am an image-bearer of my Creator.  I also see Eve’s sin as the prototype for my own corruption.  I recognize that I am powerless to change on my own.  Thus, I am driven to the Gospel for the salvation, sanctification, and help that I must have to be an Ezer. Only in that theology do I find the hope and freedom I need to daily pursue my high and sacred calling.

On the garden calendar, February is a month for pruning. It is also a month where unseen roots are beginning to grow, slowly penetrating the thawing soil.  In my life, the language and theology of Ezer are currently exposing and pruning. At the same time, young roots of truth and transformation are beginning to take hold beneath the surface. Without question, I am in the early stages of Ezer growth! How thankful I am for that work.

~ Libby Thomas