On Logical Thinking and Sanctification

"Today many people are attempting to use their mental capacity and logical thinking to obtain sanctification, yet this is nothing but a religious fabrication. They believe that if they just mentally put themselves on the altar and believe the altar provides the gift of sanctification, they can then logically conclude they are fully sanctified. Then they go happily on their way, expressing their flippant, theological babble about the “deep” things of God. 
Yet the heartstrings of their old nature have not been broken, and their unyielding character, which they inherited from Adam, has not been ground to powder. Their soul has not throbbed with the lonely, gushing groans of Gethsemane. Having no scars from their death on Calvary, they will exhibit nothing of the soft, sweet, gentle, restful, victorious, overflowing and triumphant life that flows like a spring morning from an empty tomb."
From L.B. Cowan's, Streams in the Desert.

Accountability: Discipline of Study

Last Wednesday, a friend in my weekly sharing group challenged me to study harder in the next week.  On Saturday, I heard the same message again, this time from Dad, and others.

I am humbled to admit how much I appreciate what I studied this week, and that it wasn't my own idea.

I supposed it's still my immaturity, but I can't make sense of how adding a discipline makes the rest of my time better, not harder.

For me, the lesson isn't about the importance of study, it's about the importance of humble accountability.  I know I can't take credit for the things that a few men encourage me to do week after week.  I'm a better man for that hour spent.

If you don't have a group like this, seek one out.  If you'd like, I'd be happy to talk to you about mine.